


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 





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POEMS 



BY 



AUGUSTIN L. TAVEAU 



* * * * Poesy was ever thought to have some participation of 
divineness, because it doth raise and elevate the mind. — Lord Bacon 



^3 



VOLUME I 







^^y-v^ .g:^^^-' 



NEW YORK 

G. P. PUTNA M'S SONS 

27 & 29 WEST 23D STREET 
LONDON : 25 HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARPEN 

1884 






Copyright by 
AUGUSTIN L, TAVEAU 

1883 



LC Control Number 




003 682029 



Press of 

G. F. Putnam's Sons 

New York 



TO 

The Rev. Julius E. Grammer, D.D., 

RECTOR OF ST. PETER'S P. E. CHURCH, 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, 

MONTEZUMA IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 

BY HIS SINCERE FRIEND AND ADMIRER, 

THE AUTHOR. 



lU 



MONTEZUMA: 

AN HISTORICAL POEM OF THE 
ANCIENT AZTECS 

OF MEXICO. 



Arma virumque cano. — ViRGlL. 



CONTENTS, 



« 






PAGE 


Introduction , , ix 


Pronouncing Vocabulary (Aztec) . 


» • 


• 


3 


Montezuma 








Canto First 






7 


Canto Second .... 






37 


Pronouncing Vocabulary (Spanish) 






39 


Anteros : A Lyric Poem in Two Parts 






73 


The Legend of Anteros 






77 


Songs of Anteros : Part First 






8i 


Cantilena I. — Love's Star 






83 


IL— A Lost Star . 






85 


III. — Temptation . 






87 


IV. — Conquest 






89 


V. — Love's Bower . 






91 


Songs of Anteros : Part Second . 






93 


Canzone I. — Love's Compromise 






95 


II. — Love's Complaint . 






98 


III.— Change .... 






100 


IV.— The Coquette . 






102 


V. — Love's Sacrifice 






104 


VI.— Moth in the Flame . 






107 


VII. — Nemesis . . . , 






109 


VIII. — Remorse .... 






III 


Notes to Montezuma 


• 






Canto First 






113 


Canto Second ..... 






141 



Vll 



INTRODUCTION. 



In perusing the history of this remarkable people, we 
are impressed with the idea that, whatever motives of 
avarice may have originally instigated their conquest, the 
Spaniard would seem to have been the mere instrument 
in the hand of Providence. Perhaps it may be regarded 
as one of those rare instances in which the means justi- 
fied the ends ; and the strongest passion in man — the 
love of Gold — was the most powerful incentive for him to 
undergo the hardships incident to the great work of 
Heathen salvation. For the degree of cruelty to which 
the Aztecs had carried the fearful rite of Human Sacri- 
fice, would seem to have been all-sufficient to call down 
the vengeance of Heaven upon their infamy ; and the 
salvation of the people could only, apparently, be accom- 
plished by their utter subjugation, and consequent con- 
version to Christianity. For that so insignificant a force 
as Eleven ships, about Seven hundred men, and Sixteen 
horses, should have subjugated so vast an Empire, as was 
ruled over by Montezuma, would seem to indicate that 
the Divinity, in its just indignation at the atrocities of 
these people, had given them over into the hands of the 

ix 



INTRODUCTION. 



Christian invaders, in order that they might be purged of 
their iniquities. 

The exceptional and remarkable sagacity — amounting 
almost to inspiration — of the venerable Nezahualcoyotl, 
king of Tezcuco, reminds us forcibly of the prophet 
Daniel, predicting the fates of Nebuchadnezzar and 
Belshazzar. And when we find him pleading, in vain, 
with his obdurate people, to abandon their cruel abomi- 
nations and senseless Idols — exhorting them to return to 
the primitive, and beautiful rites of the ancient Toltecs, 
and thus recognizing the only True God — the Great 
Unknown — in the person of Quetzalcoatl, His benevo- 
lent representative, — we are instinctively reminded of the 
Israelites, who, by perversely refusing to receive their 
Saviour as the Divine Messenger from God, were likewise 
subjugated and destroyed as a nation ; and it is from this 
point of view of the subject that I have founded the plot 
of the poem. 

We are likewise struck with this curious anomaly : 
That a people so far advanced in civilization, as was 
exhibited in their architecture, costumes, manners and 
customs, and, above all, for their inordinate love of 
Flowers — the type to us of all that is gentle and refined, 
— that such a people could have practiced the rite of 
Human Sacrifice, with all its other abominations, seems 
almost beyond comprehension ; and it can only be recon- 
ciled on the ground that their religious Superstition, 
which was so strongly engrafted upon their institutions, 
and so sedulously impressed upon them by the Priest- 
hood, held both mind and body in such complete subjec- 



INTRODUCTION. XI 



tion, that there was no escape, except in heresy and 
rebellion. 

The poem opens at the time of the first appearance 
of Grijalva, in 15 18, at which period the Empire was in 
the zenith of its glory ; and, while embellishing with 
poetical license, I have, nevertheless, conserved the strict 
historical facts as literally as practical in a work of this 
character. Indeed, I found this necessary — the facts 
being so much stranger than fiction, — and, on this 
account, familiarity with the Notes will be found requi- 
site for an intelligent understanding of the subject- 
matter of the poem. For Mr. Prescott observes : 
" Among the remarkable achievements of the Spaniards, 
in the i6th century, there was no one more striking to 
the imagination than the Conquest of Mexico. The 
subversion of a great Empire by a handful of advent- 
urers, taken with all its strange and picturesque accom- 
paniments, has the air of Romance rather than sober 
History. . . . The peculiar circumstances of its 
conquest were as adventurous and romantic as any 
Legend devised by Norman or Italian Bard of Chiv- 
alry.*' 



MONTEZUMA, 



CANTO FIRST. 



PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY. 



FOR THE AZTEC. 



Acolhuan 

Anahuac 

Cazama 

Cazique 

Huitzilpo 

Itzli 

Maquahuitl 

Mexitli 

Nezhualco 

O tump an 

Pulque 

Quetzalcol 

Quitlahuac 

Tezcatli 

Tezcuco* 

Tianguez 

Tlacopan 

Tlapallan 

Tlascala 

Zimatlan 



Ac-col-whan 

An-nah-whack 

Caz-ah-ma 

Caz-eke 

Whit-zil-po 

Iss-ly 

Mak-wha-whil 

Mess-it-Iy 

Neth-whal-co 

Ot-tum-pan 

Pull-ky 

Quet-zal-cul 

Quit-lah-whack 

Teth-cat-ly 

Teth-coo-co 

Tee-an-gwez 

Lac-co-pan 

La-pal-lan 

Las-cal-la 

Zim-at-lanf 



* Place of rest. 



I At the root. 



Montezuma's dream fore-shadows the conquest. 



ARGUMENT. 

Sunrise in the Valley of Mexico, with its snow-capped mountains draped in mist, 
its forests alive with God's creatures, and vocal with the songs of innu- 
merable birds,— The presence of man announced by the busy hum of life, 
and the Great Temples of Sacrifice brilliant with the light of Sacred Fires. — 
The lake of Tezcuco imbosomed in the mountains, with the city of Ten- 
ocHTiTLAN in the midst of its waters. — Crowds of people from the country, 
chanting hymns to the rising Sun, throng the Causeways leading to the city, 
on their way to the Great Market-place.— Its booths decked in flowers, and 
filled with all the various products of the Empire, with the crowds of people 
there assembled, display the high state of civilization to which the Aztecs 
have attained. — The Emperor, rising from his couch, is disturbed by the re- 
membrance of a remarkable dream, which he first discloses to his queen Te- 
ZALCA ; who advises him to consult Nezhualco, the royal Seer ; and, also, to 
offer a Sacrifice to the god Tezcatli, the fore-teller of events.— Montezuma 
convenes a council, and relates his dream to the Court.— While the Sacrifice is 
about to be decreed, Nezhualco, the royel Seer, entreats the Emperor to 
substitute the rite of Fruits and Flowers, in place of the Sacrifice ; reminding 
him that, in the days of the Toltecs, their altars were never polluted with 
human victims. — He recites the legend of the Founding of the Empire, 
by the good god Quetzalcol ; who, originally, by divine decree, instituted 
the rite of Fruits and Flowers ; and warns the Monarch of his certain down- 
fall, if he persists in, offending Heaven by Human Sarifices.— The chief 
High Priest, Zimatlan, finding the assembly outraged by such heresy, in- 
terrupts him with deep invectives, and leaves the council to consult the 
Oracles. — His grandson, Cazama, also attacks him with indignation. — The 
Monarch sustains him, and commands him to proceed. — Zimatlan, re- 
turning again, ridicules his appeal, and invokes the Image of the god 
HuiTZiLPO, in presence of the council. — The Image gives a sign of approval 
of the Sacrifice. — The Oracles declare that the victim Lucallan shall fight 
the Gladiatorial Battle-gage, in lieu of the Sacrifice. — He contests the lists 
with five antagonists, successively, and is finally slain. — The result of the 
combat fills the Emperor w^ith awe.— Zimatlan attempts to console him, 
but is repulsed.— At this moment. Couriers arrive from the coast of Yucatan, 
with Hieroglyphics, announcing the arrival of a fleet of monster ships, 
filled with supernatural beings, at the island of Cozumel.— The assembly, 
wild with consternation, breaks up amidst anarchy and strife. 

The scene of this Canto is laid in the Valley of Mexico, and the lake of 
Tezcuco ; in the centre of which stood the Capital city Tenochtitlan— now 
called the City of Mexico, 

The time occupied is from morning to evening. 



MONTEZUMA. 



CANTO FIRST. 

How fell thine Empire, mighty Aztec king ! 
In tuneful numbers, let the Muses sing : — ^ 
Thine Eagle-banners that, from shore to shore, 
Once claimed dominion, are beheld no more : 
For angered Deity, who cursed the land, 
And gave thy kingdom to the Christians' hand, 
Through retribution, with avenging ire. 
Hath quenched thine Altars' sacrilegious Fire — 
Purged all thy Temples of each bloody rite. 
And reared the Cross of Christ on Tenochtitlan's site. lo 

Morn breaks refulgent on their snowy spires, 
And gilds the Andes with celestial fires ; * 
Whose glories, radiant with the dazzling light, 
Flash crowns of diamonds o'er each regal height. 
Till all the mountains, in a glittering train, 
Seem mighty monarchs of the shining plain. 
And Orizaba, in her splendour, crowned 
Imperial mistress of the realms around. 
Beholds her Giants, in their fury, stand 
Colossal Guardians of enchanted land ; 20 

7 



8 MONTEZUMA. 



Whose wrathful thunders, in their fiery throes, 

Portend destruction to invading foes.' 

O'er hill and valley, in their gorgeous dyes, 

The noble forests in their grandeur rise ; 

And, while the music of the morning breeze 

Lends animation to the stately trees. 

They wave, in harmony, beneath its sway, 

And shake the dew-drops into diamond spray. 

The sunlight, pouring forth its golden beams, 

Breaks through their branches in refulgent streams, 30 

That, from their arches to the emerald sod. 

Light up the Temple of creation's God, 

And, through the vistas of its columns, show 

The flowery carpets, on the turf below. 

Amidst the thickets, where they slumbering lie, 

God's creatures waken with the crimson sky ; 

And, through the pastures of the boundless wood. 

Enjoy the freedom of their leafy food ; 

Or, swiftly fleeing in their native grace, 

Elude the perils of the fatal chase, 40 

The while the jaguar and the wolf pursue 

Their nimble footsteps o'er the glistening dew. 

Meanwhile in slumber, on the mountains' side. 

The mists lie floating in a silvery tide ; 

Till streams the sunlight through their fleecy screen, 

And lights the meadows in their emerald green : 

Then up the valley, and the hills remote, 

Is heard the warbling of the songster's note. 

Till myriad voices, in their songs, combine 

In praise harmonious to the Throne divine. 50 



CANTO FIRST. 



And now awakens, at great Nature's call, 

God-given Speech, that makes Man lord of all : 

Then wheels on wheels in quick succession roll, 

In tasks obedient to his stern controul ; 

Till, through the whole, one vast industrial strife 

Fills all creation with the hum of life. 

But man, depraved, no more his God reveres — 

No Light divinely sanctifies his prayers : * 

His God forgotten, and in turn forgot. 

All God-forsaken is his gloomy lot : * 60 

For in yon Temples, glittering all in gold, 

To senseless Idols all his faith is sold ; " 

Whose wrath to soften, hapless victims slain, 

From bleeding bosoms, yield their Hearts in vain ; " 

Till drunk with madness such a Rite inspires, 

New hundreds suffer on those thirsty Pyres ; '' 

As, from their Altars, roll the curling spires 

Of smoke incessant, from those Sacred Fires ; 

Whose fearful beacons, oh Teocallies, 

Thus light thy victims up to Paradise ! 70 

Like some fair matron of bewitching grace, 
Beside yon mountain in its strong embrace," 
Tezcuco, beauteous in her matchless charms, 
Reposes softly in her spouse's arms. 
For ages desolate the mountain stood. 
Till came the Deluge with its whelming flood : 
But when Jehovah bade the flood subside. 
It left Tezcuco as the mountain's Bride. 
Then Nature decked her in bewitching guise, 
With bright Chinampas of a thousand dyes, 80 

* Ephraim is joined to his Idols — let him alone. 



TO MONTEZUMA. 



Whose fragrant flowers, upon that bosom fair, 
Betrayed her presence in the perfumed air ; 
And, as the moonbeams on the waters danced, 
Her eyes of diamonds on the mountain glanced, 
Till, roused to action, at her trembling side, 
In flames upheaving, he embraced his Bride. 

And now Aurora, with refulgent mien, 
Reveals the presence of Tezcuco's queen ; 
Where, throned in grandeur on her silvery sea. 
Great Tenochtitlan stands in majesty.' 90 

Canals and streets, with noble Ceibas lined, 
Break on the view, in verdant lines defined : 
While, wreathed in glories of celestial fire. 
Fanes, domes, and pinnacles, to heaven aspire — 
Mansions, and gardens, fountains, groves, and lawn, 
All rise resplendent 'neath the brightening dawn ; 
Till the great city, in imperial might, 
Displays her grandeur in the glittering light ; 
Within whose Temples sculptured Tombs disclose 
The spots where Monarchs in their depths repose — " 100 
Once Lords of kingdoms, whose renown hath thrown 
Undying lustre on the Aztec Crown. 

O'er massive dykes, by which the waves are spanned. 
Linking the city to the silvan-strand," 
Thousands, in throngs, the opening gates have won. 
And chant their Pseans to the rising Sun. 
The great Tianguez, densely in they pour. 
With fruits, and flowers, and wares, in generous store ; " 
Where each, with skill, in fair contention vies. 
By shouts and smiles, to win approving eyes. no 



CANTO FIRST. II 



On every hand their Booths, like fairy bowers, 

Their wares display 'midst pyramids of flowers : 

The Feathery Mail, of curious texture made, 

Spears, helmets, shield, and pure obsidian blade : 

Robes, mantles, veils, of finest Pita-lace^ 

And glittering gems. Love's peerless queens to grace. 

But still to merchandise of every kind 

Some special Quarter is to each assigned : 

For to and fro amidst the bustling crowd, 

Patrols in rounds proclaim the Laws aloud ; 120 

Though Tenochtitlans, long renowned in fight. 

With good behaviour e'er respect the right ; 

Where all is order and so clear the Law, 

The most dishonest seldom find a flaw. 

Yet, should some Shylock bonds unrighteous claim, 

Yon Hall of Justice will defeat his aim : 

Where learned Judges with the Laws at hand, 

Condemn the guilty where the Laws command. 

From Azpozalco comes her goldsmiths' ware ; 
Jewels and gems Cholula's wealth declare : 130 

Sculptors and painters Tenahocan sends ; 
Fruits, mats, and divans, Quahititlan blends ; 
Fair Xochimilco boasts her floral trays ; 
Xilotepec the huntsman's skill displays ; 
Cuitlahuac cries the beauty of his fish, 
And all is here that mortal man could wish : 
While foaming Chocolate, and the Pulque's fire, 
In sparkling goblets, genial mirth inspire. 

Around the area, 'neath the Porticoes, 
The wealthy loiter, and the weak repose ; 140 



12 MONTEZUMA. 



Where learned Statesmen, in their warm debate, 

Discuss grave questions of the Church and State. 

While, here and there, in breast-plate, shield, and spear, 

And golden sandals, Chiefs surround the Fair : 

Whose lustrous eyes their courtly speech repay, 

And, wreathed in smiles, their conquering charms display. 

But though commingling with the tempting Fair, 

The smiles of Beauty Priests must all forbear ; 

And, clothed in sable, fast for weary years. 

Till wealthy Brides, at length, reward a life of prayers.*'i5o 

High on his course, arrayed in crimson hues, 
The ardent Sun the blushing Morn pursues ; 
When thus the Monarch, from his night's repose. 
Attends his Consort, and relates his woes : — " 
" Beloved Tezalca ! thou who all canst sway 
With charms, so brilliant, even kings obey, 
A horrid vision hath disturbed my sleep, 
Of ghostly Warriors from the distant deep ; 
And, while I watched them, as they nearer drew. 
My royal Diadem in pieces flew. i6o 

Thus, all distracted, from my couch I rose, 
Aghast with terror at such spectral foes ; 
And, near my casement, in the midnight air, 
Repressed my anguish, and reproved my fear. 
But though my eyelids I composed in sleep, 
Lo ! sternly rising, from the distant deep, 
They came again ! — those ghostly men, in swarms — • 
Grim Warriors all — and Warriors all in Arms ! 
This startling vision thrice itself revealed, 
Till flesh, and blood, with terror, seemed congealed. 170 



CANTO FIRST. 13 



Thou, skilled in mysteries of the starry host, 
This dream interpret, ere my Crown be lost." ^* 

" Let not my Lord unmeaning dreams surprise," 
With secret fear, the smiling Queen replies : — 
" For, in our slumbers, thought is all belied. 
And, without reason, or the eye to guide, 
'T were strange if Fancy, free of all controul, 
Ran not to riot through the dormant soul ; 
And, revelling wildly, with such unconstraint, 
A thousand scenes her senseless vagaries paint ; i8o 

Till morn awakens, and illumes the skies. 
When, Reason conscious, frighted Fancy flies ! 
But let my Lord consult the royal Seer, 
For wise Nezhualco will the dream declare.'* 

" Sagacious Queen ! " in turn, the Monarch cries : — 
" How sweet are Oracles in Love's disguise ! 
On woman's bosom, and that woman — wife, 
Man blindly perils all the charms of life : 
Perish the day ! Tezalca fails to bless, 
For Wisdom's lip enhances Love's caress ! 190 

When, galled by envy, factious Nobles rise. 
And shouts tumultuous rend the echoing skies, 
As, o'er the mountains, thundering down they pour. 
In horrid phalanx, thirsting all for gore : 
My kingdom trembles — totters — seems to fall — 
Thy prudence counsels, and we conquer all ; 
Till, cowering backwards, o'er the plains they fly. 
And Montezuma proves his majesty ! " 

" Exalted Sire ! " the Queen again essays : — 
" If Fortune thus doth ever guard thy Bays, 200 



14 MONTEZUMA. 



Then trust to Fortune, that decreed thy Crown, 

And reared an Empire as thy princely Throne ! 

Yet, if a Monarch condescends to fear, 

Or doubts the wisdom of the royal Seer — 

Anahuac's Sovereigns' great imperial right — 

Ascend the Temple, and, with Priestly might,^* 

Invoke Tezcatli — Sacrifices make. 

And, through his prescience, this delusion break : 

For, in the mirror of his burnished Shield, 

Thy future glory will be all revealed ! " 210 

" Oh ! wise and prudent — though of matchless mien, 
The faithful Consort, and the perfect Queen ! — 
Thy pious counsels, and thy zeal arouse 
My stern devotion to my Priestly vows : 
The gods neglected, not a hope is left 
To cheer the mortal of their light bereft : 
Like Peons, delving in the weary sod, 
Man works in terror of the scourging rod : 
His grovelling instincts no rewards inspire — 
His task accomplished, fills his whole desire ! 220 

There is a youth Tlascala's mountains bare — 
LucALLAN called — with glossy raven-hair : " 
Whose Eagle-eye his fiery soul betrays : 
Perfection's mould his noble form displays : 
Without a blemish, spreads his manly chest. 
Whose heart Tezcatli will, himself, attest. 
When, wreathed with incense, in its quivering throes, 
It pleads for respite of my kingly woes : 
Aye ! let Luc all an crown his bright career, 
And seek Tezcatli, with a Monarch's prayer ! " 230 



CANTO FIRST. I5 

The Monarch ended ; but, depressed with fears, 
Still sought distraction 'midst his courtly Peers ; 
Convened the Council, and, among the great, 
Resumed the honours, and the cares of State." 
But, thus dejected, though in splendour crowned, 
'Midst all his grandeur, Montezuma frowned — ^' 
With dark fore-bodings, and a prey to gloom, 
His soul fore-shadowed some impending doom. 

" My Lords and Ministers," he said, and rose : — 
" Give ear and counsel to a Monarch's woes : 240 

Your Prince Imperial, of my rights deprived, 
For years, obscurely, but a Priest I lived. 
But when you. Princes, for our country's good, 
Gave me the Sceptre, with its terms of blood, — ^^ 
Against my nature, Havoc scourged our race, 
The Crown, with safety, on my head to place ; *^ 
And all my rivals in rebellion fell, 
As each was conquered, as each dared rebel : 
Till thus by valour, and your aid, I rose 
Above the hatred of my deadliest foes ; 250 

And Montezuma rules, unawed, to-day, 
Anahuac's kingdom with Imperial sway — 
Firm as yon mountain of embattled stone, 
Without one rival to dispute his Throne ! 
Yet, in my bosom, secret woes I bear, 
That need your counsel, and the aged Seer : 
For, while, in slumber, on my couch I laid, 
A horrid vision on my fancy preyed : — 
Me-dreamed pale spectres from the ocean came, 
To seize my Sceptre, and disgrace my name : 260 



l6 MONTEZUMA. 



For, while I watched them, as they nearer drew, 

My royal Diadem in pieces flew. 

Thus, all distracted, from my couch I rose, 

Aghast with terror at such spectral foes, 

And, near my casement, in the midnight air, 

Repressed my anguish, and reproved my fear. 

But though my eyelids I composed in sleep, 

Lo ! sternly rising, from the distant deep. 

They came again ! — those ghostly men, in swarms — 

Grim Warriors all, and Warriors all in Arms ! 270 

This startling vision thrice itself revealed, 

Till flesh and blood, with terror, seemed congealed. 

Amidst your presence, let the royal Seer 

This dream interpret, and relieve my fear." 

When, 'neath the heat of summer's sultry noon. 
The languid earth in silence seems to swoon ; 
So still the air, that not a leaf is stirred, 
And, Nature's heart so hushed, no sound is heard : 
The heavens awake — the fiery lightnings flash — 
The mountains tremble at the thunder's crash — 280 

Wild howls the tempest as the deluge falls, 
And Nature's grandeur in its wrath appalls : 
So, while the Monarch thus his dream revealed, 
In deathly silence every lip was sealed ; 
But, ere he ended, — one electric chain 
Of raging fury fired each burning brain ; 
And while, in anger, all defiance swore, 
Trembled the walls, and thunders shook the floor. 

Uprose the Monarch, for the riot spoke 
In brilliant language, and his heart awoke ; 290 



CANTO FIRST. 17 



But, o'er the uproar, as he raised his hand, 

He calmed its fury with Quetzalcol's Wand : ["] 

For, round that Sceptre, formed of solid gold, 

A diamond Serpent wound its flashing fold ; 

Whose eyes — carbuncles,— coral fangs, and tongue, 

Disdained the Eagle, swooping o'er it hung : 

Pearls, rubies, emeralds — one refulgent blaze, 

That worked enchantment through celestial rays : 

God-given Sceptre ! naught could e'er atone 

Its loss to Monarch of an Aztec Throne ! 300 

The Sceptre seen, tumultuous plaudits rose 
That freed the Monarch from his ghostly woes : 
For all confided in that Magic Wand, 
That ne'er lost battle, in its Monarch's hand. 
And, rising sternly, 'midst a clang of Arms, 
They swore devotion to its heavenly charms ; 
The while resounded in the air their cries : 
" All-hail the Sceptre ! and the dream despise ! " 

Pleased at the boldness crimsoned on each cheek, 
Once more the Monarch thus essayed to speak : — 310 
" Warriors and Princes ! side by side we 've stood, 
Where fields of glory foamed with noble blood ; 
There, sternly tested, proudly I receive 
These stirring Vtvas that my woes relieve : 
For light the Diadem that crowns a head 
Where loyal heroes are its royal stead ! 
But, though our foemen we may thus defy, 
On heaven a Monarch should alone rely ! 
Anahuac's Sovereigns' great Imperial right, 
I '11 mount the Temple, and, with Priestly might, 320 



l8 MONTEZUMA. 



Invoke Tezcatli — Sacrifices make, 

And pray the god this evil spell to break. 

The gods neglected, not a hope is left 

To cheer the mortal of their light bereft : 

Like Peons, delving in the weary sod, 

Man works in terror of the scourging rod : 

No ray, divinely, lights his darkened soul — 

His task accomplished, is his only goal. 

There is a youth, Tlascala's mountains bare. 

Without a blemish — glossy raven-hair : 330 

Whose Eagle- eye his fiery soul betrays : 

A god-in-man his perfect form displays : 

Tezcatli's pride ! his deep expanded chest 

A Heart contains, whose crimson will attest, 

With incense smoking, in its quivering throes, 

My deep contrition, and my royal woes. 

Thus, ere we prove the Seer's divining Art, 

First seek Tezcatli's through Lucallan's heart ; 

And, in your wisdom, if 't is thus decreed, 

Then let the Sacrifice at once proceed." 340 

Uprose Nezhualco — Tenochtitlan's Seer — 
By age exalted o'er each proud compeer,"' 
Of all that multitude, the ancient Sage 
Had seen their Grandsires play a monarch's Page. 
Long silvery tresses, o'er his Azure Cloak, 
The sage, and Office, eloquently spoke ; 
The while his Coronet, and Signet ring. 
Revealed the presence of Tezcuco's king. 
Of giant-stature, naught in youth could tame. 
His Staff-official propped his trembling frame ; 350 



CANTO FIRST. I9 



Eyes dark, and piercing, 'neath his beetling brows, 

Betrayed what vigils had redeemed his vows ; 

And, skilled in learning that was rare and vast, 

Knew all the Legends of the centuries past : 

Thus, past and present, could compare for hours. 

And thrill his audience with prophetic powers. 

No princely Vassal could pretend to fame. 

Unless Nezhualco judged his rank and claim ; 

And, in each enterprise, ere fixed the plan, 

All came for counsel to the aged man. 360 

Thus deeply reverenced, quelling din and clang, 
Throughout the hall his solemn accents rang : — 
" Since prescient God his will divine hath shown. 
And raised thee. Sire ! to that Imperial Throne, 
Though great its strength in ancient times hath been, 
Its brightest zenith in thy reign is seen. 
Thou godlike king ! thy noble presence fills 
Thy nation's heart, and all its pulses thrills ! 
That sacred Sceptre, clothed with powers divine, 
What earthly boundaries can its sway confine ? — 370 
But stretch thy hand, and forth thine armies pour, 
Like raging billows, on th' opposing shore ; 
And, o'er the ocean of their battle-field. 
The wrecks of kingdoms are at once revealed. 
This stern devotion comes, oh Sire ! from whence ? — 
'T is that the Monarch is the State's defence : 
For when the whirlwinds of impending fate 
Burst forth, in fury, on the trembling State, 
The steady firmness of thy master-hand 
Displays the wisdom of divine command. 380 



20 MONTEZUMA. 



Then doubt not, Sire ! the great Creator's will ; 

Thy Throne, thou living, none shall ever fill, 

If thou B,rt faithful to His great command, 

Who placed that Sceptre in Quetzalcol's hand : 

For 't is the Majesty that thus ordains, 

Who still the safety of thy Crown sustains ; 

And all the grandeur of thy past will prove 

But faint reflexions of the future love 

Of him, oh Monarch ! who exalts thy fame — 

The God- All-mighty — Unknown — without name ! 390 

Him, in times past, I 've heard the Fathers say, 

The Toltec kings delighted,to obey : ^^ * 

Mild in his wrath, in goodness without end, 

Man's great Creator, and man's greatest friend. 

But lest vain man, with no redeeming grace, 

Should slight the Author of his sinful race, 

He sent Quetzalcol, unto whom was given 

His high commission from the Throne of heaven .• " 

In all whose teachings, Fruits and Flowers, alone, 

Adorned the Altars of the great Unknown. 400 

Thy ghostly vision of the spectred main, 

Portends Quetzalcol shall return again ; 

Yet not, oh Sire ! thy kingdom to destroy, 

But comes to crown thee with diviner joy ! 

*' Then, Sire august, and Princes ever wise, 
This day postpone your Human Sacrifice ; 
Let Fruits and Flowers Quetzalcol's powers declare, 
To free the Monarch of his ghostly fear : 
'T is not through haste success attains its meed — 410 
Through time, and thought, the wisest change their creed. 



CANTO FIRST. 21 



Then stay, oh Sire ! oh stay this stern decree, 
And hear my God, if still you hear not me : 
For if, through Him, one victim less is slain, 
Tezcatli's loss will be thy future gain. 

" When good Quetzalcol o'er Anahuac reigned, 
No bleeding captives, then, our Altars stained : 
By heaven instructed, peaceful rites he made, 
And Fruits and Flowers, alone, his shrines displayed. 
HuiTZiLPO came — Tezcatli's Son-of-War — 
With Bow and Shafts, these peaceful rites to mar ; ^^ 420 
To cruel rites the victors dared inspire, 
Tocallies reared, and lit the Sacred Fire. 
Thus him we worship and our Altars stain 
With blood of heroes that were happier slain : 
For, such redemption brings the warrior's prize, 
Who to Huitztlpo offers Sacrifice, 
That, midst the battle, with its crash and din, 
He slays no captive with his javelin, 
If, haply, captives he can hither bring, 
HuiTziLPo's banquet from their breasts to wring." ^^ 430 

In silent sorrow, paused the ancient Seer, 
As harsh remonstrance struck his shrinking ear : 
For ne'er had Prophet, since the Aztec came, 
Poured forth such censure on its gods and fame. 
From wall to wall — from floor to towering dome — 
As though the ocean, lashed in seething foam. 
With thundering billows beat the trembling shore, 
Till howling tempests crowned the wild uproar — 
Throughout the hall, tumultuous anger spread, 
Burst forth, in fury, o'er his aged head. 440 



22 MONTEZUMA. 



Uprising, sternly, in his Priestly might, 
First speaks Zimatlan, with a High-Priest's right, 
As, from the portals to the nave on high. 
His deep invectives censure heresy. 
And, while his eyeballs fiery lightnings flash. 
That speak the coming of the thunder's crash. 
There, towering grandly, with religious hate. 
High o'er th' assembly, in his robes of state, 
Out from his bosom that defies controul, 
Unfettered angers, thus, in thunders roll : — 450 

" Oh ! King, and Princes ! that the Fates should prove 
So sadly recreant to their former love. 
That I, Zimatlan — High Priest, Lord, and Seer, 
By Sovereigns honoured, and each loyal Peer — 
Should thus, unhaply, still survive to hear 
Such damning heresies as shock the ear ! 
Where be our dungeons, and our scourging rods, 
That caitiff Peons thus insult our gods ? — 
Beats there a bosom in this multitude. 
But that, indignant, at such language rude, 460 

Nor feels 't were duty, limb by limb, to tear 
This base traducer of a Creed so fair ; 
Nor once accord him, through our holy Art, 
The honoured Sacrifice of such a heart ? 
Meanwhile, ye Princes — 't is my Sovereign's due — 
With deep emotion, and devotion true, 
I leave this Council, and, without a fear. 
Go seek the Oracles, in humble prayer : 
Whose stern responses, to this Court, will bare 
The wicked teachings of a treacherous Seer ! " 470 



CANTO FIRST. 23 



" Hark you, Nezhualco ! " proud Cazama cries — 
Cazama of a hundred victories : " 
What time Tezcuco's feudal Lord's decease 
Left such broad acres, that their rich increase 
A mimic kingdom reared along the shore. 
Till kinsmen, envious, strove to seize its store — 
" Stay, ancient Hero ! — venerable years. 
And all the silver of thy hoary hairs. 
Nor give thee license, boldly, thus to bring 
Such base reflections 'gainst our gods and king ! 480 

Where hast thy memory, feebly, late retired ? — 
Or hath black heresy thy heart inspired ! 
Art thou oblivious that our Monarch's seat 
Hath been, from boyhood, at Huitzilpo's feet ? — 
Take back thy words — thine arrogance is wild : 
A man no more, thou 'rt scarcely still a child ! " 

The Monarch, troubled with perplexing fears, 
Cazama's boldness, with impatience, hears. 
And, while the rashness of his youth he chides, 
Nezhualco honours, as he thus decides : — 490 

" Thy worthy discourse, ancient Sage, prolong : 
A king learns wisdom when the bold give tongue," 

As when some Lion, slumbering in his lair, 
The hounds attack, and hot excesses dare ; 
Thus, roughly roused, he shakes his shaggy mane, 
A blow delivers — and the pack is slain : 
So thus, Nezhualco : — " Sire, I humbly bow 
Before the wisdom of thy beaming brow. 
But yon young Lord, that flaunts his rage at me, 
I dandled once, my Grandson, on my knee ! 500 



24 MONTEZUMA. 



For, in his boyhood, when my hair was gray, 
I taught the strippling all he knows to-day : 
Thus all the knowledge that he now can boast, 
Nezhualco gave him, and yet nothing lost ! 
But while, on him^ indignant scorn I cast, 
Heed thou^ oh king ! the Legends of the past : — 

" Whence came Tezcatli ? — whence his awful ire. 
That youth, and beauty, grace his bloody pyre ? 
May Truth, divinely, palsied lips inspire. 
To teach these Princes, and thee, gracious Sire ! 510 

Insatiate god ! of lust and jealousy : 
Perpetual Youth — thus youth for him must die : 
Spirit of Evil — bane of every clime. 
And dreaded author of each hideous crime : 
The Queen of heaven he viewed with envious eye. 
And, blind with envy, dared his God defy : 
Thus, cursed for treason, swift condemned he fell, 
And works our ruin to enrich his hell. 

*' Amidst the hosts celestial, on the Throne, 
Her form of splendour with refulgence shone ; 520 

Whose radiant glory, and majestic mien. 
Revealed the grandeur of the ethereal Queen : 
Whose charms superior, when the hosts behold. 
In dazzling beauty, on that Throne of gold, 
On bended knee, with deep devotion, all 
Before the Throne, in adoration fall. 
Tezcatli, impiously, those heavenly charms 
Would dared have ravished, with unholy arms ; 
When, all degraded by his God, he fell. 
Transformed a demon, and the Prince of Hell. 530 



CANTO FIRST. 25 



But, lest the malice of this evil soul 
Man's future destiny might hence controul, 
He sent Quetzalcol to this favoured earth, 
To found a kingdom of celestial birth. 

" From heaven descending to these plains below, 
'Midst all these mountains of eternal snow, 
He reached Tezcuco — when, down swooping flew 
A Royal Eagle, and a Serpent slew.^^ 
To all his followers then Quetzalcol cried : — 
Behold the Omens that our fates decide ! 540 

'T is here Anahuac, as ordained, must rise, 
With Temples worthy of our Sacrifice : 
Sweet Sacrifices, by divine decree, 
Of Fruits and Flowers, and every fragrant tree ; 
And, 'neath the influence of the Ruler's eye. 
This sacred Sceptre shall our foes defy : 
For thus, in heaven, the God of gods on high. 
Who chose me thus to prove His majesty. 
Unveiled the future, and there bade me view 
The fair proportions of my kingdom new. 550 

Thus, 'midst yon mountains of eternal snows, 
This Lake of beauty on my vision rose ; 
And, lo, an Eagle o'er its waters flew. 
That swift a Serpent in its talons slew. 
" What means this Omen ? " with alarm, I cried, 
When thus the Ruler to my fears replied : — 
" 'T is by this Omen, of the Serpent slain, 
That thou thy kingdom shalt on earth attain ; 
Where, heaven-protected, in thy blissful lot, 
Let sacred Temples consecrate the spot. . 560 



26 MONTEZUMA. 



* There teach the children of thy future race, 

* With Fruits and Flowers, to seek my Throne of grace ; 

* And each commandment of my Laws fulfil, 

* That on thy kingdom may descend no ill. 

* Take thou this Sceptre — on its powers rely, 

* To rouse thy Warriors, and thy foes defy : 

* For, while 't is wielded by its Monarch's hand, 

* No bold invader can usurp the land ; 

* But, were it captured by a foreign host, 

* Thy Crown, and kingdom, are forever lost.* " 570 

" Thus, in this valley, rich in Fruits and Flowers, 
Quetzalcol's kingdom spoke his heavenly powers : 
Taught every science, every subtle skill. 
The stars to question, and the earth to till ; 
Gave laws of wisdom, and withal so mild. 
As won obedience both from man and child. 
Long years he reigned, and built h'is princely Halls, 
And, chief of all, great Tenochtitlan's walls : 
Those days were halcyon — happy days of old — 
Anahuac gloried in her Age of Gold ! 580 

" His mission ended, mighty Toltec now 
Received the Sceptre, and renewed the Vow : 
Him taught, with patience, every holy rite, 
And every duty due the God of might, 
QuETZALCOL vanished o'er the boundless main. 
But pledged his children to return again : 
His earthly throne no more returns to claim. 
But comes to judge our honour, or our shame — 
Woe be the advent, if he thus shall find 
Tezcatli's image in your hearts enshrined ! 590 



CANTO FIRST. 



27 



" Four hundred years the Toltec Princes ruled — 
Great architects — in every science schooled — 
Palenque's, Mitla's, Uxmal's ruins stand 
Majestic monuments of their great hand.""" 
Then next a sturdy, fearless Northern horde, 
The brave Checheemecs, o'er the mountains poured ; 
Who governed ever with benignant grace, 
Till stern Mexitli's cruel Aztec race 
Invoked Tezcatli — lit the Sacred Fires, 
And stained the Altars of our ancient sires. 600 

Thus came corruption — for great Acolhuan 
With Aztec joined, in league with Tlacopan : "* 
A hundred years this League of treason stood, 
And drenched the Altars with our noblest blood ; 
Till one, ambitious, his confederates slew, 
And, Three-in-one, the triple kingdom grew : 
Whence spread the Empire, shore to shore, its claim, 
With Montezuma's banners, and his name ; — 
But, stained with blood, his hand will cease to hold 
Quetzalcol's kingdom, and his Wand of gold ! '* 610 

" Avaunt this babbler ! " now Zimatlan cries : — 
" Whose silly rites are black with heresies ! 
Stripplings their suits, with flowers, to maids commend, — 
Idiots, alone, would thus a king offend ! 
Oh ! grave impostor — hoary vanity — 
What wondrous homage Age secures to thee ! 
Shall kings, and Princes, heed thy musty lore, 
And pale, like women, at the sight of gore ? 
Forbid it, gods ! that by this vigorous hand, 
Unpalsied yet, awaits my king's command ! 620 



28 MONTEZUMA. 



Oh ! thou Great Being, of the deadly Bow ! 
A kingdom trembles with distracting woe : 
I, true ZiMATLAN ! to thee humbly bow, 
Thy will immortal, and our fates to know : 
If holy Sacrifice the Powers demand, 
Reveal the Omen with thy sacred hand ! 
See ! mighty Monarch ! see — the god replies ! 
Behold the anger of his awful eyes ! 
His Bow is strung — the Golden Arrow flies — 
Oh, joyful Omen of our Sacrifice ! 630 

Oh, righteous king ! by all thy father's faith. 
The Omen heed ! and falter not — 't is death ! 
For, while yon dotard all our gods decried, 
I sought the Oracles, who thus replied : — 
' No instant danger o'er the king impends : 
His mighty Empire still our care defends. 
' In Battle-gage — our custom oft of yore — 

* The victim thus may pledge his votive gore : " 

* Five stalwart warriors let him boldly dare 

' Engage, successive, and the dream declare : 640 

' The warriors vanquished — all returns to air : 

' His Champion vanquished — let the king beware ! ' " 

The Monarch, startled by Zimatlan's prayer, 
Though doubts disturbed him, succumbed now to fear : 
For, on that day his royal brow was crowned, 
Tezcatli's Altars were the most renowned. 
And, while the suffragants sent up their cries : — 
" LucALLAN battles — or Lucallan dies ! " 
The jewelled Sceptre, with descending stroke, 
Dissolved the Council, and its fiat spoke. 650 



CANTO FIRST. 29 



But, while Zimatlan thus his triumph hears, 
Obeys the fiat, and the rite prepares ; 
Behold, unmindful of impending fate, 
The hapless Victim in his regal state : ^" 
Imperial garments — jewels rich and rare. 
Adorn his person, and bedeck his hair ; 
The while a Court his princely rule attends. 
Adores with awe, and every wish commends. 
Where'er, obedient to his soft desire. 
He idly wanders, and attunes his lyre, 660 

Revering thousands at his bid surround. 
And kneel, obeisant, to the holy sound. 
Tezcatli's Offering, clothed with godly sway, 
His smiles enrapture, or his frowns dismay : 
For, o'er the banquets of the Princely-grand, 
He rules, supremely, with divine command ; 
Whose proudest Nobles with contention vie, 
To win the favour of his gracious eye : 
Till Virtue, wildered, even joys to own 
Her hours of rapture, with the godlike known. 670 

For, ere the coming of his fatal hour. 
Love leads him, captive, to his rosy bower : 
Where Noble maidens — Goddesses in name, 
And matchless beauty, all his soul inflame. 
With these, in dalliance, through each blissful day, 
He lives enamoured of their witching sway ; 
The while they, archly, with seductions vie. 
To steep him deeply in Love's ecstacy : 
One braids his tresses with her golden bands — 
One clasps his mantle with her ivory hands — 680 



30 MONTEZUMA. 



One serves in goblets Pulque's sparkling fire, 
And one enchants him with her burning lyre. 
Thus fly their moments of delight in song, 
While fond embraces still their joys prolong ; 
Till, drunk with passion that no creeds reprove, 
Love seems a heaven, and heaven the bower of Love. 

But, wildly startling all that amorous bower, 
The Serpent-tocsin wakes the distant Tower : ^^ 
Bright cheeks wane ghastly — frenzy fires each eye — 
All know the Signal — 't is the god must die ! 690 

Six Priests, in sable, filled with righteous gloom, 
Reveal their mission, and the Victim's doom : 
His gay apparel from his person torn. 
War's glittering armours all his limbs adorn ; 
Till soon the Champion speaks his whole attire, 
And Sword and Javelin rouse a warrior's fire. 
Thus, while he tests them, with his skilful hand, 
"Fathers," he says, "fulfil your stern command : 
My warrior-heart exults with pride, to-day. 
These Arms to seize, and all my foemen slay : 700 

For thus, victorious, in Tezcatli's fight. 
Both Love and Freedom will reward my might ! " 
In wild embraces weeping forms are prest. 
With burning passion, to his manly breast ; 
And while in terror, and with ghastly cheeks. 
They fill the palace with their piercing shrieks. 
He seeks the shore — the Barge in royal guise, 
And turns his back on Love and Paradise : 
His Sceptre broken, and his kingdom gone — 
A vassal summoned to a higher throne. 710 



CANTO FIRST. 31 



The Serpent-gong its moaning tocsin makes, 
And, hill to hill, the coming throng awakes ; 
As, at the sound, the mass, in wild delight, 
Pour forth, in crowds, to view the Sacred fight : 
The great Tianguez — every neighbouring height — 
Soon groan with thousands that await the sight ; 
While, in the centre, near the shining Stone, 
The Court is gathered round the Monarch's throne. 

Stern in his mien, upon the flinty field, 
LucALLAN stands, with spear and blazoned shield : ^* 720 
The golden Cuirass on his manly breast. 
Conceals the quilting* of the Tunic's vest : 
For while the vest the searching dart defies, 
The Tunic's folds defend his sinewy thighs. 
A broidered Mantle, with its tinctured lines, 
The ancient Bearings of his House defines ; 
The while an Eagle, and its quailing prey, 
High o'er his Helm, his Crest and rank display ; 
And, at his side, of pure obsidian made, 
His burnished Belt secures his Itzli blade ; 730 

His golden Sandals meshed, and gaily tied : 
All speak the chieftain, and Tlascala's pride. 

The Heralds call, and, at the clarion's sound, 
Cholula answers with a fearless bound ; 
And like the lion, with a single blow. 
Would prove his prowess, and destroy his foe : 
The foeman's rage Lucallan's sword defies — 
Divides the brain, and brave Cholula dies. 
Next Zempoalla, with the panther's spring, 
Now draws his dagger in the shining ring ; 740 



32 MONTEZUMA. 



And, where the Cuirass joins the Tunic's quilt, 

He aims to drive it, to its deadly hilt : 

But skilled Lucallan mocks the foeman's art, 

And bathes his Itzli in his quivering heart. 

From Orizaba's mountain gorge, in turn. 

Her champion comes — his Crest a Jaguar stern : 

So thus his claws he fain would sharply drive, 

Deep in his foe, and tear him all alive. 

But through the air a whizzing sound bestirs. 

And, 'neath his arm, Luc Allan's Javelin whirrs : 750 

The heart transfixed, the soul in anguish sighs. 

And, shuddering fiercely, Orizaba dies : 

So falls the Eagle when, beneath its wings, 

The lightning arrow through its plumage sings. 

Next comes Tlascala's far-famed warrior race. 

And kinsmen, shocked, meet kinsmen, face to face : 

Doubtful they stand, for Nature speaks her right. 

And, choked with grief, each fain would joy in flight. 

The clarion calls, nor brooks such soft delay, 

As, hand to hand, they prompt the sound obey : 760 

His sinewy arms around his foeman wound, 

Lucallan heaves him thundering to the ground : 

His gurgling throat the dagger floods with gore. 

Till, pale in death, Tlascala breathes no more. 

From Otumpan's far distant rugged height. 

Her towering champion seeks the final fight. 

But, flushed with victory, and with hope elate, 

Where Love and Freedom on his Arms await, 

Lucallan, pondering on the brilliant Prize, 

Disdains his foeman, as to Love he cries : — 770 



CANTO FIRST. 33 



" Oh thou bright god ! of Love and Youth combined, 

Thy Champion aid, to slay this mountain hind : 

So shall I, fighting for my god and king, 

Ten votive captives to thine Altars bring ! " 

Then, swift as thought, his gleaming Javelin flies : 

But instant death the foeman's rib defies. 

When, quick his Itzli bending down to find, 

A sudden darkness clouds his brilliant mind ; 

And reeling, blindly, o'er the slippery field. 

He sinks, ensanguined, on his golden shield : 780 

For, where the spine the lordly head sustains. 

The foeman's spear its treacherous hold maintains ; 

Whose mortal wound, with pangs of fierce distress. 

His quivering limbs, and fainting soul confess ; 

And, while he dreams his loveliest Houri grieves, 

Relentless Death his parting sigh receives. 

His Champion slain, the Monarch's courage fails- 
Doubt, dread, and anguish, each in turn assails : — 
" Did not, this morn, the Oracles declare, 
If slain, he falls — of certain ill beware ? 790 

Oh wise Nezhualco ! " bitterly he cries, 
" How feel repentance where no pardon lies ! " 
Pale grow his cheeks, and horror undefined, 
Of dreadful import, seizes all his mind. 
ZiMATLAN, troubled, marks the king's dismay. 
And fain, again, would Priestly arts essay. 
The Monarch moans : — " Away — thou whited fraud ! 
Thy fatal words my dawning virtue awed : 
I, else, Nezhualco's honest lips had heard. 
And reaped his Fruits with yonder bloody Sword ! 800 



34 MONTEZUMA. 



By one deluded — and the other lost— 

What god shall rid me of that Spectral host ! " 

Around the square a rising murmur ran : — [man ? " 
" Whence comes, in haste — whence comes this breathless 
A royal Courier — whose bright Scarlet cloak 
Of news important, by its colour, spoke — ^^ 
Amidst the throng his hurried progress made, 
And in his hand a folded scroll displayed. 
As thus, obeisant, he addressed the king : — 
" From Cozumel, oh Sire ! the news I bring." ^° 8io 

Wide spread the Leaves, the strange and curious news, 
With hungry speed, the Imperial eye pursues ; 
And, from the Throne, in turn proclaims aloud, 
Its startling import to the anxious crowd : — 

" * His prayerful custom, prostrate to the East, 

* HuiTZiLPo's sacrifice engaged the priest. 

* When, from the ocean, lo, four monster skiffs, 

* With wings expanded, surged around the cliffs. 

* The harbour entering, by some skill supreme, 

* They plunged their anchors in our tranquil stream. 820 

* And next, with boldness, smaller skiffs they launched, 

* Which froze our bosoms, till our cheeks were blanched ; 

* For Spirits rowed them ; and, of stature tall, 

* One seemed a Giant,. who commanded all. 

' Jet-black his hair — a long and flowing beard — 

* And, though so ghostly, yet a god appeared : 

* For, while his Armour flashed celestial light, 

* His dazzling Buckler blinded all our sight. 

' Half-crazed with terror, at such Spectral foes, 

* We fled distracted — nor can more disclose ! ' " 830 



CANTO FIRST. • 35 



Wild consternation, like a thunder-cloud, 
Burst forth, in fury, from the trembling crowd. 
Bold eyes, in terror, quailed with frantic fear. 
While shouts, and curses, stormed the boisterous air. 
And, surging to and fro, in fierce uproar. 
They shook the city to its mighty core. 
But, o'er the shouts that rose in wild acclaim. 
From lip to lip was heard Quetzalcol's name : 
To some 't was joy, to meet his welcome face — 
To some 't was woe, who feared their deep disgrace : 840 
Divided wrath their frenzied bosoms tore, 
Till Havoc foamed with rage amidst a sea of gore. 
So, when some Nimbus, draped in sable dye, 
With pitchy darkness, blackens all the sky, — 
The stars recede — the Moon withdraws her light — 
And Terror reigns, the Monarch of the night : 
Death rides, majestic, on his fiery car, 
And peals of thunder speak celestial war, 

END OF CANTO FIRST. 



MONTEZUMA, 



C ANT O SECOND. 



37 



PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY. 



FOR THE SPANISH. 


Aguilar 


Ah-ghee-lar 


Alaminos 


Al-lah-mee-nos 


Alvarado 


Al-var-rah-tho 


Avila 


Ah-veel-lah 


Catalina 


Kat-tah-lee-nah 


Cordova 


Cor-tho-vah 


Cortez 


Cor-teth 


Dona 


Don-yah 


Espanola 


Es-pan-yo-lah 


Giralda 


Hee-ral-tha 


Granada 


Gran-ah-tha 


Grijalva 


Gree-hal-vah 


Hernando 


Ear-nan-do 


Hidalgo 


Hee-thal-go 


Lujo 


Lu-ho 


Montijo 


Mon-tee-ho 


Morena 


Mo-ray-na 


Moza 


Mo-tha 


Murillo 


Moo-reel-yo 


Nicuessa 


Nee-ques-sa 


Olmedo 


01-may-tho 


Ordaz 


Or-dath 


Patio 


Pat-yo 


Puert'carrero 


Pweart-ka-ray-ro 


Que Hombre 


Kay-Om-bry 


Raphael 


Rah-fah-el 


San Pedro 


San-Pay-dro 


Senor 


Sen-yor 


Ximenes 


Hee-men-nez 



39 



THE SPANIARDS EMBARK FOR THE NEW WORLD. 



ARGUMENT. 

Sunset in the Straits of Gibraltar.— The Mediterranean, the Sacred Sea of 
the Holy Land, and the classic scene of ancient heroes and poets. — Ovando, 
successor to Columbus, equips a fleet in the Bay of Cadiz. — The knightly ad- 
venturers rendezvous at Seville. — At a ball given to the knights by the Duke 
of Medina, Cortez is betrothed to Catalina of Granada. — The knights as- 
semble at midnight in the great Cathedral, where Cardinal Ximenes cele- 
brates Mass in honour of their departure. — He inflames their zeal by reciting 
the Life of Christ, as illustrated by the pictures of the old Masters around the 
walls of the Cathedral, and gives them his Benediction.— The army embarks 
on board the fleet at Cadiz. — The fleet, soon after its departure, is scattered in 
confusion by a storm on the ocean. — Ten ships sight each other and unite. — A 
Dove alights on the masthead of one. — Cortez declares it to be a miracle, and 
determines to follow the direction of its flight.— Assuming command of this 
remnant of the fleet, he calls upon all to follow him. — ^They consent, and that 
evening reach Cozumel. — Alaminos, the Pilot, arrives also next morning. — A 
council is called, and Cortez is elected Commander. — Alaminos relates his 
former experience of the country under Cordova and Grijalva. — He recites the 
exploits of Alvarado, and offers the services of Melchoreyho, an Indian, who 
had accompanied him to Cuba, to act now as an interpreter. — Cortez advises 
them to abandon their original intention of landing at Hispaniola, but to push 
their fortunes here. — Melchoreyho Is sent ashore to procure guides to aid 
Ordaz in his search for the Christians wrecked here from Nicuessa's expedi- 
tion.— Ordaz, with guides, goes in search of them.— Cortez lands the army 
builds a camp, marches through the island, and destroys the Idols. — The 
natives, seeing the impotence of their deities to protect themselves from insult 
and destruction, embrace Christianity. — Ordaz returns from the mainland, 
bringing with him Aguilar, one of the Christian captives whom he went in 
search of. — The natives, now friendly, load the vessels with provisions. — 
The army re-embarks, and the fleet sets sail agam for Tabasco. 

The scene of this Canto is laid at the Straits of Gibraltar (Calpe) in the Bay 
of Cadiz.— Changes to Seville, and returns to Cadiz.— Thence, across the At- 
lantic, to the Island of Cozumel, off the coast of Yucatan.—Time, thirty days. 



41 



MONTEZUMA. 



CANTO SECOND. 

Amidst a halo of celestial rays, 
His glowing brilliancy the sun displays : 
Where floods of amber through the clouds arise, 
In radiant glory, to the golden skies. 
And while, in splendour, through the crimson nave. 
He sinks, descending to the glittering wave, — 
Rolls down, in grandeur, through its foaming crest. 
And strews his diamonds on the Ocean's breast ; 
While, sky and ocean, in the fading light. 
Commingling, blend in one, till all is wrapt in night. lo 

Like monster Lions, crouched infuriate. 
Here Calpe and Abyla watch the strait ; * 
And stand thy guardians, oh thou Sacred Sea ! 
Whose holy memories bid us bend the knee : 
For did not He, who, born of Galilee, 
Awoke the dead, and bade the blind to see, 
Reveal his Mission on thy silvery strand. 
Then died for man, and made it Holy Land ? — 
On that sad day, when Temples* vails were rent. 
And mountains quaked at Nature's wild lament, 20 

43 



44 MONTEZUMA. 



O'erwhelmed with anger, at the awful deed, 

Thy waters raged, to see a Saviour bleed. 

But, rising pallid from thine eastern wave, 

Like His great resurrection from the grave. 

The Moon reanimates departed day, 

And spreads her mantle o'er the shimmering Bay : 

So, when the Sun shall cease to yield its light. 

And death, and darkness, wrap the world in night, 

The Prince of Peace will thus, in glory, rise, 

And light our darkness with eternal skies ! 30 

Fain would my Muse to humbler regions soar. 
Nor pause, presumptuous, on this classic shore, 
Where mighty Bards have sanctified its name. 
And stamped its glories with undying fame : 
'T was here that Petrarch tender Sonnets sung, 
While Laura, fondly, on his accents hung. 
And Tasso, pining in a dungeon's gloom, 
Charmed Leonora, from his living tomb. 
While Dante, dreaming in a cloister's cell, 
Invoked the spirits from the shades of hell. 40 

And loving Sappho, with her burning lyre, 
Re-kindled Phaon's ever-waning fire ; 
Till, stung with sorrow that such coldness gave. 
Drowned love and sorrow in Leucadia's wave. 
Here Homer pictured, in his glorious song, 
Great Troy's destruction for a Spartan's wrong ; 
And Virgil, wakened by its martial strain. 
Sang Eneas' exploits on Italia's plain. 
Their shades immortal, fair Pierian Maid ! 
Couldst thou invoke thy trembling hand to aid, 50 



CANTO SECOND. 45 



Then might their souls thy feeble harp inspire, 
And rouse its music with a touch of fire. 
But, as it is, from Crete to Calpe's strand, 
The great memorials of their grandeur stand, 
Colossal monuments o'er sea and land, 
That check thine ardour, and restrain thy hand. 

'T was here Achilles, armed with Vulcan's shield, 
Slew Hector, thundering o'er the fiery field : 
Calchas, the prophet, urged with silvery tongue, 
Great Agamemnon to relinquish wrong : 60 

Experienced Nestor, vainly strove to stay 
Love's wrath so awful, kindled in a day : 
While Phoebus, bidden by almighty Jove, 
Inspired the plagues that punish guilty love ; 
Till black- eyed Chryseis, with untarnished name, 
Consoled a father with her spotless fame ; 
And beauteous Briseis, with averted face, 
Abhorred Atrides, in Pelides' place : 
And, while proud Troy's polluted walls contain 
The fair, sad Cause of all her heroes slain, 70 

War's trumpets sound, and all that raging host 
For Love contend, while Troy for love is lost I 
Then Venus, trembling in celestial charms, 
Invoked the Thunderer to sustain her arms : 
The god, approving, nods his awful brow, 
And doves and chariot all descend below ; 
And, swift alighting where old Priam dies, 
Thus warns ^neas with a mother's cries : — 
" Hence — hence, my son ! to fair Italia fly, 
Ere thou, and Troy, confused in ashes lie 1 80 



46 MONTEZUMA. 



Thy Vessels seek, and leave this land abhorred : 

Anchises save — thy father and my lord : 

This Sceptre take, a kingdom new to find — 

Lavinum waits thee with a favouring wind : 

There plant thy banners, and thy canvass furled, 

Great Rome shall govern all the future world ; 

While Carthage, envious of thy glorious name, 

Shall link great Dido with thy deathless fame : 

For Virgil, rising at my loved decree, 

Shall sing thy deeds of immortality ! " 90 

Beside the sea, where Cadiz' walls arise, 
Ovando's fleet inspires admiring eyes : * 
In rival ranks the anxious navy vies, 
Like chariot steeds, that chafe to seek the prize. 
What stirs her chieftains, who disdain disguise ? — 
A World unconquered in the distance lies : ^ 
Gold, glittering Gold, in measure without end, 
Each breast inflames, and all for Gold contend : 
For brave Columbus, o'er a pathless sea. 
Hath solved the great Almighty's mystery ; 100 

And 'midst the ridicule of all the " Wise," 
Exposed the folly of their prophecies. 
But, though the trophies of a Western Ind 
Confirmed the wisdom of his prescient mind, 
Yet, with an Empire as his glorious gain, 
Returns dishonoured by ungrateful Spain : 
Where all, with envy, while they wronged the man, 
Approve his counsel, and adopt his plan ; * 
And burn to enter through that golden gate, 
Where fame, and riches, on their hopes await. no 



CANTO SECOND. 47 



Thus, in contention, hosts Ovando press — 
Woo, flatter, threaten, or by turns caress ; 
And all save honour in the chase is sold. 
To win an Empire whose reward is Gold I 
From lip to lip the glittering story flies — 
Wakes youthful breasts, and brightens ag6d eyes ; 
Till, wrapt in visions that inflame the mind, 
With scenes of glory and of gain combined, 
All, hand in hand, the Golden-calf surround. 
Not Isabella's thunders can confound : 120 

For zeal conceives 't is right their gold to win, 
If heathen souls are rescued thus from sin. 
From fair Morena's distant snowy height, 
Comes down in streams the softly flooding light ; 
And 'neath the mantle of the silver Moon, 
The Guadalquiver flows in liquid tune. 
And Seville's streets are filled with mirth to-night : 
For revelling Carnival is at its height ; 
And now who views that Andalusian Queen, 
Of Love and Beauty, hath a marvel seen.* 130 

In grotesque costumes — masks of Turks and Jews, 
The gay Hidalgos throng the avenues ; 
Where king and clown, in farces of the day, 
On equal terms the prince or peasant play. 
And while the Donas, screened in mask and veil, 
In sweet disguises, yielding hearts assail. 
Soft things are said, and softer things are done, 
Than might be ventured 'neath the noonday's sun. 
For, in these hours of joys and gentle snares. 
Ere Lenten comes with all its fasts and prayers, 140 



4^ MONTEZUMA. 



Love Stirs the breast and pleasure fills the eye, 

Till all the mass ferments with diablerie. 

Medina's Halls are floods of waxen lights, 

Where lustrous eyes are conquering valiant knights ; 

And, 'midst the splendour of the brilliant Ball, 

All seems enchantment in that Moorish Hall : 

There King and Court, Grandees and Donas, vie, 

In rich brocades and ancient jewellery : 

Castilian graces — Arragonese smile, 

And dark-eyed Andalusia's queenly style, 150 

In mazy dances, with their charms inspire 

Granada's heroes with consuming fire. 

Soft music sweeps entrancing to the dome, 

Dissolving hearts where Love hath found his home. 

His home ? — alas ! how short the treacherous dream ! 

Ash-Wednesday's sun will mark, with fading beam, 

Love, steeped in tears, and mourning here in sighs, 

The short-lived vision of its ecstacies : 

Ovando's fleet, o'er ocean's foaming crest. 

Will leave behind full many an anxious breast : 160 

For here are heroes of Chivalric aim. 

Who thirst for glory and historic fame : 

Where feats of Arms, or wild romance invite, 

Their lances gleam the foremost in the fight. 

Within the Patio's love-inviting shade, 
Just where the fountain's diamond sparkles played," 
Where scented flowers inspiring incense threw, 
In grateful homage, o'er the glistening dew : 
A bower, created by the Duchess' hand, 
Displayed the beauties of enchanted land. 170 



CANTO SECOND. 49 



'T was here, unmarked, enraptured with his prize, 

A kneeling knight thus soothed a maiden's sighs : — 

" While on my lance thy cherished Favour flies, 

And, next my heart, thy precious portrait lies, 

Nor length of years, nor width of seas or skies, 

Can dim my memory of Catlina's eyes : 

In battle-field, amidst its din and shouts, 

Catlina's love will claim my constant thoughts : 

If pierced with wounds, death dooms me there to die, 

Catlina's name will be my latest sigh ! i8o 

If blessed by Fortune, then I come to claim, 

And link Catlina's with her Cortez' name ! ^ 

Then let Catlina to her Cortez swear, 

With vows, responsive to her lover's prayer, 

Come what of weal, come what of cruel woe, 

Catlina's heart none other love shall know ! " 

Just then, all glistening on his manly hand. 

Love dropped a tear, beyond the maid's command ; 

The while her portrait she conferred to deck 

The shining gorget, that adorned his neck. 190 

The chimes, resounding from Giralda's tower. 
Announce the midnight and the Lenten hour : 
And all the multitude, with reverence, kneel, 
In deep devotion, at the thrilling peal. 
And while the Altars, with the sacred night, 
Burst forth in brilliance 'neath a flood of light. 
The Belted warriors in procession, march, 
In serried columns, 'neath the portal's arch.' 
On many a form, on many a noble cheek. 
Broad, seamy scars, Granada's heroes speak ; 200 



50 MONTEZUMA. 



And many a bosom, with its glittering Star, 

Reveals the veteran of renown in war. 

Then pour the organs forth a solemn strain, 

And, while the people chant the deep refrain, 

The Gothic arches, from their lofty height, 

In echoed harmony, the whole unite. 

Before the Altar, eminent and gray, 

The great Ximenes humbly bows to pray ; " 

Then says — uprising with his Crozier-rod : — 

" Go win, my sons, the heathen back to God ! 210 

* Blessed among women ! spake the Angel host, 

* As, through her being, thrilled the Holy Ghost ; 

* And, chaste as emblem of the Crescent-moon, 
' Her soul, dissolving, felt the ethereal swoon : 

* Till, Heaven-conceived, Murillo's Virgin smiled, 

* The conscious mother of Jehovah's child ! 

* The new-born Planet, at His mighty nod, 

* Disclosed the birth-place of the Son of God : 

* Where, in the manger, by the Wise beguiled, 

* Was found the Mother and the Saviour-child. 220 

* High o'er the mount, transfigured in the cloud, 

* In glory crowned, within His fiery shroud, 

* The God-in-man revealed his Father's will, 

* And drew the record with Raphael's skill. 

* There, on the Cross, with agonizing eye, 

* See Rubens paint the mortal Saviour die : 

* But hark the shout — our Saviour's blood though shed, 

* He lives again ! Christ rises from the dead ! 

* Then thousand tongues, of flames, at Pentecost, 

* Peclared the mission of the Holy Ghost : 230 



CANTO SECOND. 5 1 



* Go ye abroad, o'er every sea and land, 

* And teach the Heathen my divine Command. 

* Now Father, Son, and Holy Ghost retain, 

* And peace be with you all, my sons — Amen ! ' " 
And, while he thus his Benediction gives. 

To serve the Cross, they consecrate their lives. 

Meanwhile, the waters of the azure Bay, 
Morn's rays, in purple, light with coming day ; 
And, while her palaces, and mansions, lave 
Their bright foundations in the dancing wave, 240 

Enchanting Cadiz, like a Swan at rest. 
Seems gently floating on the billows' crest." 
And rocking, stately, on the sparkling tide, 
Ovando's Galleons at their anchors ride ; 
As, idly swinging, to and fro, the sail 
Awaits the coming of the favouring gale. 
But now awakens, on the shore, the hum 
Of soldiers, answering to the morning drum : 
For hark ! the echoes of the Trumpets rise, 
In stirring cadence on the stilly skies ; 250 

As, one by one, dissolves the evening's Camp, 
To martial music, and the soldiers' tramp ; 
Loud neigh the steeds, and paw the flinty ground, 
While, in their seats, the knightly riders bound ; 
And, wending slow, around the rocky lea, 
Down, rumbling, rolls the huge Artillery : 
While Falconets, and Arquebuse appear, 
With Stores, and Baggage, in the distant rear ; 
And, proudly, floats above the warlike train, 
The Castled Standard of heroic Spain. 260 



52 MONTEZUMA. 



Then wake the ships, responsive to the shore, 

And sturdy sailors ply the bending oar : 

Swift fly the barges — leap at every strain, 

And plough the waters to the shining main. 

There order triumphs — one perfected plan. 

Reveals Ovando, and denotes the man. 

While Alvarado, Olid, and Cortez, 

Avila, Leon, Sandoval, Ordez, 

Through long experience, with consummate skill. 

Their Chief's commands, with active zeal, fulfil. 270 

To each assigned, to each his duties known, 

Their labours speed, and soon the task is done : 

The Barges, trembling with their weighty strain, 

Of men, and horses, seek the ships again ; 

And, while the ships receive the precious store, 

A favouring gale, devoutly, all implore. 

Alminos, Pilot, with experienced eye. 

Observes the tokens of the changing sky : " 

And, while the sunset gilds the western slopes. 

And fresh Levanters tune the whistling ropes, 280 

All trim their canvass, all their anchors weigh. 

And, gliding smoothly, leave the opening Bay. 

St. Vincent passed, there Ocean's sturdy gale 

Rolls the high wave, and strains the swelling sail ; 

Before its fury, all the vessels fly, 

And Europe slowly fades from every hero's eye. 

But, when the Night her sable pall had spread, 

With pitchy darkness o'er each anxious head, 

Alminos, doubtful of the treacherous night, 

Displayed his Lantern with its flashing light : " 290 



CANTO SECOND. 53 



Up went the Rockets, and the Signals spake :— 

" To hold the Squadron in his shining wake." 

But wind, and darkness, soon confusion gave, 

No light could beacon o'er such naountain wave : 

For ere Two-Bells the anxious watch maintained. 

The Hurricane its awful height attained ; 

And, all distracted, o'er the raging main 

The staggering vessels sought the Light in vain ; 

Till morn discovered, in its humbled pride, 

The shattered Squadron, drifting far and wide. 300 

Thus drifting, helpless o'er the angry wave, 

Without a Pilot, or a guide to save. 

From week, to week, the broken navy tost, 

Nor knew if friends were living, or were lost. 

Till, blessed by Fortune, one auspicious day, 

Ten sighted each, and close together lay ; 

When, o'er a masthead perched a weary Dove, 

That seemed a Messenger of hope and love : 

With pious lips to God their thanks they gave, 

And blessed the Messenger thus sent to save. 310 

Just then arose, high o'er that shattered band, 
The voice of one accustomed to command : — 
" Now, by San Pedro ! " boldly Cortez cries, 
'* Who dares to follow where that Pilot flies ? — " 
Who follows that, can follow Cortez too : 
For, by my faith, yon Omen, friends, is true ! " 
Then, from his belt, his gleaming blade he drew. 
And, on the breeze, his knightly Banner threw : 
A sable field, a Cross of gules displayed. 
On argent flames of fimbria, azure-x^^y^^. 320 



54 MONTEZUMA. 



" Now, Dove and Cross, the Holy Scriptures saith, 

To win salvation, follow both in Faith ! " 

And, ere he ceased, a loud refrain arose : — 

" On Dove, and Cross, we all in Faith repose ! " 

Just then the Dove, by natural instinct taught, 

Dispread its wings, and home and dovelets sought : 

The Compass marking its ethereal flight. 

The Cortez navy anchored ere the night. 

And, when the morning on their vision brake, 

Alminos followed in their shining wake. 330 

High o'er the sea, the golden orb of day 
Ascends the sky, and brightens all the Bay. 
And, with the morn, the fleet awakening, too, 
All eyes are strained a Maiden- v/orld to view : 
Who void of fear, where such seclusion lies, 
Bares all her charms to Love's devouring eyes. 
And, while her bosom thus she freely laves, 
Of luscious beauty, in her foaming waves, 
How little recks she that her charms inspire 
The bold intruder with consuming fire : 340 

Who thus, enraptured with her lovely mien, 
Resolves to claim her for his Indian Queen ! 
Far up the valleys, in their emerald hue, 
Her meadows glisten in the morning dew ; 
O'er which her forests in their grandeur rise, 
And wave their plumes amidst the glowing skies ; 
The while her cities, and her temples, stand 
As brilliant tokens of her wealthy land : 
The artless dove its lovely Queen revealed, 
Nor knew that thus Columbia's fate was sealed ! 350 



CANTO SECOND. 55 



Meanwhile Alminos, in this safe retreat, 
Repairs the damage of his shattered fleet ; 
Till all the vessels, in their gay attire, 
Bright dreams of conquest and rewards inspire. 
But, by the Symbol on the great Ensign, 
That greets Columbia with its Sign divine, 
The lordly Captain, in proportions fair, 
Exceeds, in glory, every proud compeer : 
For, on that Banner, 'midst celestial rays, 
The Cross of crimson Holy Faith displays ; 360 

And, while it waves upon the morning air. 
All hail its presence with a deafening cheer. 

Throughout the fleet, a signal now invites 
The pious presence of its Christian knights ; 
And, o'er the decks, the zealous hundreds pass, 
Where good Olmedo celebrates the Mass. ^* 
And while, attentively, they humbly kneel, 
And heed the fervour of the Priest's appeal, 
They thank Jehovah for the dangers past, 
And pray His mercies may forever last. 370 

From bended knees, with solemn vows they rise. 
As eye to eye, with knightly zeal replies ; 
And, all refulgent in their Arms, they show 
The fearless daring that subdues a foe. 
The Heralds next, in clarion-notes, proclaim 
A council called, a Chieftain thus to name : 
When, on a Dais, draped in cloth-of-gold, 
O'erhung with flags, festooned in graceful fold, 
A conclave gathers, whose Devices claim 
The bearers heroes of distinguished fame. ^^ 380 



56 ' MONTEZUMA. 



Their choice announced, the throng approving hears, 
And greets the Chieftain with exultant cheers ; 
And, while the grandeur of his mien they scan, 
Exclaim, in turn : *' Que Hombre ! " — what a man ! 

His massive forehead, crowned with raven-hair, 
Bespeaks a soul that knows no sense of fear : 
Dark, searching eyes reveal the subtle skill, 
That holds mankind subservient to its will : 
A will of iron — for his lips, comprest, 
Betray the firmness of his haughty breast. 390 

And while the vigour of his meanly frame 
Fore-warns a foeman of his kindled flame, 
His graceful movements, though encased in steel. 
His gentle breeding and his birth reveal. 
But though his Shield, inlaid with tinctured lines. 
The ancient Blazon of his House defines, 
High o'er his Helm, his rampant Lion-Crest, 
And crimson Plumes, his own renown attest : 
For, at his side, his bright Toledan shows 
Its marks of honour, won from Moorish foes : 400 

For deeds of knighthood ever pleased a mind, 
To toil, or danger, each, alike inclined. 
And, in the Charge, where'er he turns his steed. 
All shun his Lance, and dread his crushing speed. 
And yet, in manners, and in heart, so mild, 
Can play the gallant, or console a child : 
But, through the whole, stern resolution shows 
A fiery soul, none, reckless, dare oppose. 
Such was the man, long trained in danger's school, 
Who now arose, Spain's haughty sons to rule : — '" 410 



CANTO SECOND. 57 



" Soldiers of Spain ! in zeal, we equal stand : 
But zeal is vain, without some guiding hand — 
Without some Power, sovereign to command, 
Destruction waits us in this, unknown land ! 
The Squadron broken — half our comrades drowned— 
Appalling doubts our enterprise surround : 
I, led by impulse, seized the shattered helm, 
But dawning perils, now, my mind o'erwhelm : 
Some other Chieftain, should it be your choice, 
I '11 gladly honour, with my Lance and voice ; 420 

But, if your wish commands me thus to stay, 
Your wish, my law, I '11 hear but to obey. 
Though few our numbers, and the enterprise 
Too vast to see, but through prophetic eyes : 
Yet if, unawed, we win this Virgin-Home, 
Our fame will live through ages still to come ! 
The Prize is glorious — far beyond compare — 
Aladdin's treasures all lie buried here : 
But he who hopes this tempting spoil to win, 
Must scorn all danger, ere he dare begin ! 430 

For not through sloth renown its fame achieves — 
By blows, alone, its temper Steel receives. 
Like you, I too, herein would riches gain ; 
But fame and glory, first, true knights attain ! 
Yet if 't is Gold, that some still covet more, 
My knightly word ! here lies a brilliant store ! 
And, in their laps, I '11 pour a glittering stream, 
Brighter than wild imagination's dream ! 
For dearth of numbers, let our zeal atone ; 
And, firm in Faith, rely on God alone : 440 



58 MONTEZUMA. 



]^or doubt our Cause, in His most righteous name, 

Will all His care, and gracious blessings, claim. 

Since safely thus, by His divine command. 

We Ve reached these shores, here must we take our stand: 

For if, through Faith, we press the work begun, 

Fame, wealth, and glory, will alike be won." 

Now draw your Falchions, and, with fearless voice, 

Condemn my boldness, or confirm your choice." 

Ere thus he ceased, once more that strain arose : — 

" On Dove and Cross, in Faith, we still repose ! " 450 

Then rushed the crimson to his manly cheek, 
And all the emotions of his heart he speaks. 
As from the Dais, moving grandly down, 
" Soldiers ! " he cries, " I ask a warrior's Crown : 
High o'er my head, your knightly blades extend, 
And crown the Leader, whom you dare defend ! 
Thus mutual all, by all our knightly swords, 
Pledge, each to each, our solemn knightly words. 
That come what danger, come whate'er of woe, 
With lives, and fortune we '11 defy the foe !. '* 460 

Ere said 't is granted — o'er him, kneeling down, 
A hundred Falchions flash the warrior's Crown : 
While deafening shouts, from solemn lips, proclaim 
The Oath, that seals Hernando Cortez' fame.^* 

Order restored, the Chieftain speaks again. 
And dreams of glory fire each hero's brain : — 
" Lest wrecked, by rashness, on these shores unknown. 
Let prudence counsel what 't were best were done : 
Who boasts experience, him we '11 first attend, 
That skill, and knowledge, may promote our end." 470 



CANTO SECOND. 59 



Uprose Almlnos, at his Chief's demand, 
And speaks his knowledge of the wondrous land : — ■ 
" Not unknown, Sefior, are these shores to me : 
For, when Nicuessa braved this treacherous sea,^" 
Destruction, angered, stirred the raging waves, 
And ships, and sailors, doomed to watery graves. 
Cordova, hoping some, perchance, contrived 
To brave the tempest, and in boats survived, 
Three ships we launch, our comrades lost to find, 
With me, as Pilot, to the helm assigned. 480 

For weeks, on weeks, we search these seas in vain. 
No comrades see, but glimpse of land we gain : 
With cautious sail, the welcome shore we seek, 
Approach the land, and there our mission speak. 
Their tongue unknown, frustrates Cordova's plan : 
We ask for friends — they answer : — 'Tectetan.' '" 
We search the shores, in vain, for Christian man, 
Erect a Cross, and name it — Yucatan. 
But, ere we leave, Catoche's cape we round. 
And, landing there, what wondrous sights astound ! " 490 
Fields, far and wide, enrich the teeming plain. 
While fruits, and flowers, perfume the scented main. 
Temples, and mansions — maidens decked in gold, 
And Mail-clad warriors, of demeanour bold. 
These, civilized, demand in turn our aim. 
And whence, so daring, such intruders came ? 
This known, to arms, in throngs, their warriors come : 
We fight, and fly, for numbers marked our doom ! 
Our ships to Cuba, back returning, steer : 
Velasquez listens with attentive ear ; 500 



6o MONTEZUMA. 



As, all bewildered, at his feet we pour 
Our brilliant tale, in heaps of glittering ore. 

"With lavish hands Velasquez freely spends : 
Four ships are armed, and valiant knights he sends.'*^ 
I, Pilot, still — as knowing best the land — 
Grijalva, now, his kinsman, takes command. 
First Cozumel we reach, where, in disgrace, 
Her chiefs, in terror, fled Grijalva's face. 
Hence, passing on, we round Catoche's main. 
And, spite the foe, we boldly land again. 510 

When, 'midst the wonders that again surprise, 
A marble Cross astounds our Christian eyes : — 
' Here live, or die ! ' Grijalva boldly cries, 
* And, 'neath the Cross, all Heathen foes despise ! ' 

" Thus, ere the night obscures the shining plain. 
We pitch our tents, and call the land New Spain. 
But, hostile still, again their warriors come, 
And, once again, they seemed to mark our doom. 
But, at the dawn, their Chiefs behold, dismayed, 
A Christian camp, in martial strength arrayed. 520 

Forth, then, our Champion of experienced skill — 
Whom, heaven permit, these vessels shelter still — 
Don Alvarado, armed with Shield andLance, 
Confronts their leader, as the foes advance. 
The bold demeanour of our Champion wins 
Their Cazique's friendship, and a Talk begins. 
Meanwhile, the troops, in force, we land to show. 
By strength of Arms, we welcome friend or foe ; 
The while our gifts, we bid them next behold, 
And reap, in turn. Ten thousand Pesos Gold! 530 



CANTO SECOND. 6 1 



But ere, at length, we take our final leave, 

Amidst our ranks, a native we receive : 

Him, Melchoreyho, should my Lord command, 

Will much assist us in this stranger-land ; 

Who, well instructed in the tongue of Spain, 

Will thus interpret, and our views explain. 

But, Su Altessa, ere I close my tale, 

'T were well I told thee, yonder lovely vale. 

Those verdant meadows, and that shady dell, 

Reveal the beauties of fair Cozumel." 540 

Thus, while he ends, with one accord they all 
On Alvarado, with impatience call. 
Where rugged Ronda rears her rocky height, 
From Andalusia came the dashing knight. 
Him, trained to danger on the mountain-side. 
His daring boyhood Boar-hunts occupied : 
Full oft a father spent the night in care, 
At morn, to find him in the quarry's lair — 
His only mantle, and his greatest pride, 
A night of slumber, on a Wild Boar's hide ! 550 

Though brief in speech, a soldier's vigorous word 
Confirms the wonders through Alminos heard : — 
" When, on these shores, our Banners woo the gale, 
Your eyes, alone, can there attest his tale. 
What deeds of valour witnessed all this coast, 
'T would ill become me, generous knights, to boast : 
But how to serve you, or your dangers share, 
Let knightly actions, not my speech, declare." 

Meanwhile, Olmedo, while Alminos spoke, 
Attentive listened, till his heart awoke 560 



62 MONTEZUMA. 



With tender pity for the wretched fate 

Of Christians dwelling in a heathen state ; 

And, in the fervour of his pious zeal, 

Thus touched the Chieftain with his strong appeal : — 

" Your gracious Lordship, if a Priest may speak, 

Where so much greatness overwhelms the meek, 

Fain would I beg, ere weightier matters press, 

We seek those Christians in their sad distress : 

For while the Island occupies us here. 

Their hapless fate demands our equal care. 570 

Thus, should disaster, in the future, grieve, 

God will reward uSy and our woes relieve." 

** Thanks, holy Father," thus the Chief replies : — 
" Thy thoughts are noble, and thy words are wise : 
Both Faith and Cross were lacking zeal, to know, 
Yet slight, our brethren, in their hour of woe. 
Meanwhile, the Heathen claim our instant thought — 
Good works are best, through action, promptly wrought; " 
And should persuasion fail their hearts to move, 
Then let our Falchions all the Gospels prove ! 580 

So preached Mahomet, when he sowed his seed, 
And Asia venerates, to-day, his creed. 
But if the present with the past compare. 
We '11 have our Crusade, and Jerusalem, here : 
For 't is the mission of the Holy Cross 
Such souls to rescue from eternal loss ; 
And who these heathen hesitates to save, 
The pangs of hell shall torment in his grave : 
So thought our Sires, who fought in Holy Land, 
While righteous Peter nerved each knightly hand ! " 590 



CANTO SECOND. 6^ 



He said, and paused ; and to the Pilot near, 
His rapid words his orders thus declare : — 
" Good Alaminos, ere the even-tide, 
Two Brigantines with every want provide.** 
Let Melchoreyho native help procure, 
Explain our purpose, and their aid secure. 
These, Senor Ordaz, with thy followers take, 
And, for these Christians, strict inquiry make : 
Eight days remain — God willing all be well — 
The fleet, again, rejoin at Cozumel." 600 

Then thus resumes : — " Since Espanola's shore, 
Though first we sought, Fate bids us seek no more,'* 
But, through the Dove, that, by divine command. 
Thus led our navy to this Virgin-land — 
The while Alminos, with experienced skill. 
Here rescued, also, will sustain us still — 
God's will, revealed, a Christian knight should please. 
And ours the care the gift divine to seize : 
Here plant His Cross, and let our Faith proclaim 
New Spain we conquer, in Hispania's name. 610 

If such your pleasure, on your Falchions bare, 
Pronounce the suffrage, and your wish declare." 

The Falchions rose ; and every gleaming sword, 
By Cross-on-hilt, proclaimed its own recbrd : 
By Cross-on-hilt who swears, nor makes it good, 
A traitor's doom attaints his Ancient blood. 

The Council o'er, he summons to his aid. 
Such valiant knights as wield the boldest blade. 
First, to Alminos : — " Ere the russet morn 
The Herald ushers, with his clarion horn, 620 



64 MONTEZUMA. 



Thy Barges, prompt, with every want provide, 
And land the Army with the favouring tide : 
The troops, debarked, be mine to lead on land — 
The fleet be thine, with wisdom to command. 

" Through thine experience, be the laws obeyed, 
Brave Alvarado, as thy Chieftain's Aide : "' 
Review the forces, and prepare the Roll, 
And let the Captains that I name controul ; 
And, in thine Orders, to the knights proclaim 
Hernando Cortez thus promotes their fame : — 630 

Let Puert'carrero, valiant as the Cid, 
Avila, Leon, Sandoval, Olid, 
Montijo, Lujo, and Ordaz, alone, 
Be chief commanders, for their valour known : 
To Moza's skill, the Artillery assign — 
Some later day, the knightly Horse be mine." 
He said, and ceased ; and, with the darkening west, 
The fleet, in turn, resigned itself to rest. 

Meanwhile, all anxious, to the island shore, 
Columbia's sons, in numbers, wondering pour ; 640 

And, while the ships they watch with eager eyes, 
An aged Priest allays their deep surprise : — 
" Yon mighty skiffs, from far Tlapallan's main. 
Transport Quetzalcol and his sons again : 
The ancient Founder of our race, he comes 
To greet his children, and to bless our homes. 
For thus Nezhualco, with a prophet's word, 
Announced the coming of Anahuac's Lord. 
With Fruits and Flowers, of each a generous store, 
Accord him honour, and the god adore." 650 



CANTO SECOND. 65 



On every hand, with busy care, they raise 
Imposing Altars in Quetzalcol's praise ; 
And, while the maidens all their Timbrels bring, 
And dance before them, and the chorus sing. 
The youths, thereon, their generous Offerings pour, 
Of Fruits and Flowers, and all the god adore. 
Throughout the land the tidings find their way, 
And curious thousands seek the crowded Bay ; 
And, while the ships, with sails and wondrous size. 
Confound their minds, and fascinate their eyes, 660 

" Alas ! " they cry, "when first Quetzalcol came. 
We sought the woods, and fled the shore in shame : 
Then had we stayed, and viewed his godly face. 
We thus had shunned an act of foul disgrace. 
The Monarch's heart, 't was said, was deeply grieved, 
So strange the tale his royal hand received — 
All Tenochtitlan raged, in wild uproar, 
And cursed the cowards who could flee the shore : 
But now we '11 greet him, and exalt his name. 
And save our honour from eternal shame." 670 

Now rosy Morning, like a maiden won. 
Suffused in blushes, greets the ardent Sun : 
The ardent Sun, with gorgeous gifts replete, 
PourS out his treasures at her pearly feet ; 
And, while the gems excite her joyous smile. 
She beams, refulgent, o'er the fleet and isle. 
Here Melchoreyho, on the shore, attends 
The cordial welcome of his wondering friends : 
Whose tales of marvels, and of gods, he hears — 
Rebukes their folly, and allays their fears : — 680 



66 MONTEZUMA. 



" These be not gods, oh friends of little ken ! 

But godly minded, they be godly men : 

Rich, both in bounties of the heart and hand, 

They come to bless you, and your simple land : 

Bright, in your bosoms, righteous light to shed. 

That, from the darkness, you to light be led. 

Know ye the day the awful god of storms 

Sunk all those skiffs, and drowned those pallid forms ? 

Some came to shore, half-dead, forlorn, and weak — 

These were their brethren, whom their comrades seek. 690 

If some survive, the truth to me confide, 

And skilful Couriers for my wants provide : 

That I may seek them, and a ransom sure, 

Of brilliant treasures, in your coffers pour." 

He said, and, promptly, to his strong appeal. 

They frankly answer, and the truth reveal : 

" Not here they tarry, but in Yucatan : 

At lake Junuko — Cazique Nabolan : 

Him one we know of, near his princely throne, 

Holds greatly honoured — all the rest are gone." 700 

To help his mission, and his wants fulfil. 
They find him Couriers of experienced skill ; 
And tender, cheerfully, their fragile skiffs 
To guide the Barges round the treacherous cliffs. * 
Thus, pledged to friendship, Melchoreyho leaves, 
As all, in turn, a generous gift receives ; 
And, with the Couriers, to the fleet, again. 
Returning, promptly, o'er the shining main, 
Commits them, safely, to the Pilot's hand. 
And tells the marvels that excite the land. 710 



CANTO SECOND. 67 



Meanwhile, their anchors Ordaz* vessels weigh, 

Receive the Couriers, and depart the Bay ; 

The while Alminos all his Barges lowers, 

With tents, munitions, soldiers, arms, and stores. 

And while the skiffs, like bees in summer, swarm, 

Surround the fleet, and friendly acts perform. 

The ladened Barges o'er the waters glide, 

Debark the troops, and all forsake the tide. 

To build the Camp, each trained commander vies. 

As tents, on tents, in snowy- whiteness rise ; 720 

And, ere the sun hath reached meridian-rays. 

The Camp, complete, its martial pomp displays : 

High o'er the centre, in its gorgeous fold. 

The Castled-Standard to the breeze is rolled ; 

While, floating, proudly, o'er the Chieftain's tent, 

The Cross of crimson there its glory lent. 

And, while the music, with its stirring airs, 

Delights the natives, and allays their fears. 

The maidens dance, their Tim-brels gaily sound. 

And song, and mirth, attend the festive ground. 730 

Now, Alvarado, in the sturdy fort. 
Salutes his Chieftain, with his strict Report : — '^ 
'* Ten ships, the Captain, as our Flag-ship, hail. 
Comprise our navy of Eleven sail : 
Of brave marines, experienced men of skill. 
One hundred. Sire, and ten, we number still : 
Of the vast army that embarked from Spain, 
Five hundred, now, and fifty-three, remain : 
Of stout Crossbow-men, thirty-two the whole ; 
And thirteen Arquebusiers end the Roll. 740 



68 MONTEZUMA. 



Ten heavy Cannon — Falconets but four ; 
And sixteen Horses, constitute the Corps. 
Of tents, and stores, munitions, all complete, 
We stand supplied, and landed from the fleet. 
Nine camps are formed, obedient to command, 
Nine Chiefs controul — with Ordaz is his band : 
The posted Sentries sternly guard the gates, 
And further orders Alvarado waits." 

Bright satisfaction gleamed in Cortez' eyes, 
And, to his Captain, promptly, thus replies : — 750 

"Your fair Report an ample force declares — 
Confirms my courage, and relieves my fears : 
While Ordaz lingers on the distant shore. 
We '11 march the Army, and the land explore ; " 
Lest restless spirits acts ungracious dare. 
And fill the natives with unfriendly fear. 
Thus, while Olmedo at my side attends, 
And Melchoreyho his assistance lends, 
At morn assemble, and, on Heathen sin, 
The holy Crusade of the Cross begin." 760 

Bright dawns the morning, as, with grand display, 
The Army marches forth, in proud array : 
The Armour flashing with refulgent light, 
The Banners blazoned all in tinctures bright, 
The thrilling Music of the martial Band, 
The measured tramp, and voice of sharp command, — 
Combine, in grandeur, to create dismay, 
Though willing Indians boldly lead the way, 
And show, with artlessness, on every hand. 
The numerous wonders of their lovely land. 770 



CANTO SECOND. 69 



From day, to day, the eager strangers view, 
With hungry eyes, the landscape ever new ; 
And temples, palaces, and mansions, rise. 
Each day, more grandly, to their wondering eyes ; 
Until the Idols, in their burning souls, 
Awaken anger, prudence scarce controuls,^" 
When Melchoreyho, to the proud Caziques, 
Interprets, promptly, while Olmedo speaks : — 

" These impious Idols whom you thus adore. 
In humble worship, and their grace implore, 780 

Are senseless things, that neither see, nor hear, 
Your votive offerings, nor your pious prayer. 
These be the emblems of an Evil one. 
By whom all evil in the world is done : 
One Great Jehovah, from His Throne on high, 
Rules all creation with His majesty : 
His gracious Son, to man, on earth, He sent. 
To whom we kneel, and of our sins repent : 
Renounce your Idols, and our God embrace, 
And pray His mercy may redeem your race : 790 

Else, -^'"^your spirits, where your fathers' dwell. 
Bewail the terrors of eternal Hell ! 
To save you Heathen from this wretched fate, 
Our Sovereign sends from his distant State, 
Whose princely grandeur words can scarce portray : 
For half our regions his commands obey ; 
Let generous Presents, then, your homage prove, 
To gain your welfare, and his kindly love." ^^ 

With horror struck, the Caziques all arise, 
While lightning flashes from their gleaming eyes ; 800 



70 MONTEZUMA. 



And startling thunder all the camp awakes, 

As raging fury from each bosom breaks : — 

" These sacred Idols, whom you dare belie, 

Have been our guardians, thus, eternally ! 

'T is they. Great Beings ! who vouchsafe the rain, 

And glorious sunshine, to our ripening grain ; 

And all the blessings of our ancient land. 

Our fathers' fathers gathered at their hand : 

Could we, so impiously, our gods aggrieve. 

And thus your heresies, in turn, receive, — 8io 

Thunders, and lightnings, would descend, in wrath, 

And thus consume us in their fiery path ! 

This God you speak of — whom we cannot see — 

Whence comes His grandeur — whence His majesty ? — 

Our gods are Heroes ! gods of fearful might ! 

Who nerve our warriors in the raging fight — 

Touch but a pebble, where an Image stands. 

And Death would slay you with avenging hands ! " 

The Heralds answer back, with Trumpets' sound : 
When, prompt responding, with a fearless bound," 820 
High up the Temple, to its towering height, 
Upspring Castilians, with the speed of light ; 
And, in an instant, at their Chieftain's call, 
Cast down, and thundering, in its mighty fall, 
Down rolls each Image, with a crashing sound, 
In thousand fragments, to the trembling ground. 
Then on those Altars, that their gods defiled, 
Is seen the Mother, and the Saviour-Child ; 
And while Te deums to the Throne arise. 
And drown the horrors of the Heathens' cries. 830 



CANTO SECOND. 7 1 



With holy Masses, on that Virgin-strand, 
The bold Crusaders consecrate their band ; 
And, while his bosom burning thoughts engage, 
Cortez, with fervour, vents his pious rage : — 

" Where now the vengeance of your mighty gods I 
Where all their anger, and their scourging rods ! 
Themselves too feeble to avert our wrath. 
Where now the ruins of their fiery path? — 
Themselves too impotent to save this day, 
Vou can they shelter, with their shattered clay ? 840 

Oh, wretched beings ! save your souls from loss, 
And kneel, in worshi]^, at yon Holy Cross : 
The past forgiven, to the future look, 
And pray to Heaven through yon Holy Book : 
So shall your spirits, freed from earthly strife. 
Awake, immortal, in Eternal Life ! " 

The thousands gaze with awe, and wondering eye^ 
To see their gods in abject ruins lie : ^'' 
And now, no longer to their weakness blind, 
Light breaks, divinely, on each darkened mind ; 850 
For, prompted, suddenly, by heavenly grace. 
They all, impulsively, the Cross embrace ; 
And thus, in unison, with one acclaim. 
Accept Messiah, and adore His name. 

" Now glory be to God ! " Olmedo cries : 
" Peace and good-will to men," Cortez replies ; 
And, bearing emblems of their victory. 
The New Crusaders seek the welcome sea. 
There, near the shore, beneath the quiet sky, 
Lo, Ordaz' Brigantines at anchor lie ; " 860 



72 MONTEZUMA. 



And, by the echoes of each hearty cheer, 

'T is goodly tidings that the vessels bear : 

For, while, responsively, the Army cheers, 

A Christian captive in the Camp appears ; 

And while, abjectly, to the Chief he kneels, 

The degradation of his state reveals : — 

*' Thanks be to God ! " his agonizing cry, 

" Once more with Christians, let Aguilar die ! " 

" Not so, dear friend I " Cortez, in turn, replies : — 

" But live to labour in our Cause, and rise ! 870 

Blessed shall I be to use thine Indian tongue : 

(And o'er his nakedness his cloak he flung) 

Thy tale of misery, which thou may'st forbear, 

Some fitter moment, 't will be meet to hear : 

With this new language, be my Mentor true, 

To crush these Idols, or the land subdue : 

For, by the eternal and all-mighty God, 

Who sent the Deluge, at His simple nod, 

That drowned a universe, that dared despise 

Their Great Creator, for the Prince of lies, — 880 

Ere now such creatures, that His mighty hand 

Formed out of clay, again, shall curse the land : 

Before High Heaven, and yonder Book, I swear, 

Nor man, nor nation, shall our vengeance spare ! " 

Once more the Barges seek the noisy beach, 
And, ere the conquerors the vessels reach. 
With generous hands, their gifts, in plenteous store. 
Within the ships the friendly natives pour ; 
And, while the winds the snowy canvass swell, 
Their Banners wave adieus, to Isla Cozumel." 890 

END OF CANTO SECOND. 



ANTEROS. 



A LYRIC POEM, 

IN TWO PARTS. 



Behold yon simpering dame. 

Whose face between her forks presageth snow : 

That minces virtue, and doth shake the head 

To hear of pleasure's name. — King Lear, 



73 



ARGUMENT. 



A young lover, infatuated with tlie charms of the object of his devotion 
displays all the zeal of honest and holy love, and offers his heart at the 
shrine of one whom he believes to be as sincere as himself. — They separate 
for a time, during which he remains constant, but she proves fickle, and 
gives her hand to another. — Upon her return, although married, the " old 
love " awakens in her bosom again ; and, by her blandishments, she in- 
veigles him at her feet once more. — In time, she grows weary of her triumph ; 
and, true to her corrupt instincts, casts him off, and begins her role of con- 
quests anew. — Twice to have been deceived arouses his disdain, and he 
leaves her to her fate— bitterly punished in return by remorse. — The moral 
conveyed shows that there are wives who, not content with the honest 
devotion of their lawful lords, are ever seeking some ideal " affinity," who is 
no sooner victimized than they sigh for " pastures new " — hence the number 
of divorces which disgrace our courts. 



75 



THE LEGENt) OF ANTEROS. 



THE WRECK. 



The mighty vessel seemed a speck, 

When the lightnings lit the vast obscure ; 
And the crashing thunders jarred the deck, 

'Midst seething ocean's deafening roar : 
Strong men of nerve, in terror, quailed — 

For plunge on plunge appeared the last — 
As, through the foam, we wildly sailed, 

With broken helm, and shivered mast. 



II 



But, at my side, unmoved alone, 

Stood one of calm, imposing mien ; 
As though, to him, were all unknown 

The perils of the awful scene : 
With iron grasp the shroud he held — 

A lifeless statue seemed his form — 
As thus his dauntless eyes beheld, 

Unawed, the terrors of the storm. 

77 



7 8 THE LEGEND OF ANTEROS, 



III 

" Oh, fearless one ! " amazed I cried : — 

" While all around are in despair, 
How canst thou thus, in callous pride, 

Ignore the dangers raging near ? 
What art thou ! that, within thy soul. 

There seems to lurk no sense of dread ? 
Or dost thou, sternly, thus controul 

A heart, to fear and danger dead ? " 

IV 

" Yea, friend ! " in turn, he made reply : — 

" Thou readest well the human mien — 
What dangers can we not defy. 

When long in death the heart hath been ! 
For me, no more do dangers frown : 

On battle-field, and ocean's wave, 
I 've sought — but sought in vain — to drown 

Remembrance, in a welcome grave ! 



" But they who least such terrors fear — 

As though the Fates would mock their woe- 
May brave all danger, — yet despair 

To meet the fate I covet now ! 
Dost know a heart that — free from stain, 

Before some deeply worshipped shrine — 
Hath sacrificed its all — in vain ? — 

Then know §uch heart, and fate, is mine ! 



THE WRECK. 79 



n 



VI 

And when, alas ! its sacred all 

It thus hath staked, at priceless cost, 
Can aught remain, that may appall 

A heart whose treasures all are lost ? 
Ship-wrecked upon the sea of life, 

It drifts without one hope or aim, 
Till, starved and maddened in the strife, 

To be engulphed is all its claim ! " 

VII 

Amidst the breakers' deafening roar. 

The ship had all to pieces gone ; 
But, pale and lifeless, on the shore, 

I found him, as he lived — alone : 
Beneath the foldings of his vest, 

With tape and wax securely bound, 
Just where the heart pulsates the breast, 

These Songs of Anteros I found. 

VIII 

And while, in Anteros, I read 

The bitter fate too many prove ! 
Can there be, then, I pondering said. 

Two separate gods of maddening love ? 
The Blind, which leads to good — the while 

The Other, though discerning all, 
Thus tempts us, with Satanic guile. 

To degradation's deepest fall ? 



SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



PART FIRST. 



This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, 
May prove a beauteous flower, when next we meet. 

— Shakespeare. 



8i 



CANTILENA I. 



LOVE'S STAR. 



O'er angry ocean, swiftly borne, 

May'st thou, in safety, reach thy home : 

Where friends, who now thine absence mourn. 
Shall bid the wanderer cease to roam. 



II 

May'st thou, in each familiar form, 
Whate'er the change — unchanged in heart, 

Find loving friends, still true and warm, 
Without one love-tie torn apart. 

Ill 

If then, amid the varied scene 

Through which thy fairy-feet have past, 
Kind Memory, on a friend there seen, 

One tender thought should deign to cast, — 

83 



§4 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



IV 



May he, who bids thee farewell now, 
Dare hope that tender thought may be 

Of him, who thus records a vow, 
That he shall ever think of thee ! 



Yea ! think of thee who, like a Star, 

That, in the orbit of its flight. 
May yet return, from climes afar, 

To bless me with celestial light : 

VI 

For, though through Fate's decree we part. 
Perhaps, through Fate, we '11 meet again,- 

Then, Lady, pledge me, from thy heart. 
The Star will not return in vain ! 

VII 

His vow he made — her pledge she gave — 
As on her brow he pressed a kiss. 

And, on her course, the vessel drave, 
The while he dreamed of future bliss. 



CANTILENA 11. 



A LOST STAR. 



Radiant In beauty, thou comest again ! 

But not as the Star of my hope, and my love — 
Tho' Fate hath recalled thee, alas ! 't is in vain : 

Aye, vain as my constancy also must prove ! 
On the brow of another thy brightness hath shone. 

And thy light, though it shineth, shines only for him 
With him wilt thou traverse Life's heaven alone. 

Where thy radiance for me^ must forever be dim ! 

II 

Well, since *t is so ordered, although I have dreamed, 

Fom year, unto year, that the Star would return. 
Yet always I dreamed that the Star, when it gleamed. 

For me, and me only, would faithfully burn. 
I 've watched for it sleepless — by day and by night — 

As waiting a planet whose orbit is true : 
But, while I behold it returning, still bright. 

It shines not on me, but on hemispheres new. 

85 



S6 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



Ill 



My vigils are ended— -my watchings are o'er, 

And down from my tower, reluctant, I go : 
My heavens are clouded, from ocean to shore, 

And the light of my planet I never shall know. 
In the keep of my tower, secluded, I '11 stay, 

And con all the charts of my former delight ; 
And there, in my darkness, I '11 fondly portray 

The pictures of Memory, to brighten my night. 



CANTILENA III. 



TEMPTATION. 



When first we met, in early youth — 

While life was fair, and hope was bright — 

And Love — the emblem of pure Truth, 
Deemed happiness its sacred right : 



II 

Ere that untrammelled heart of thine 
A tale of love had learned to heed — 

Thniy to have clasped, and called thee mine, 
Had been, for Love, a joyous deed ! 

Ill 

But, as it is, *t is useless all — 

Since Fate hath willed it otherwise — 

And let me leave thee, ere I fall, 
A victim, to those lustrous eyes ! 
87 



88 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



IV 

And let no more those eyes reveal 
That Love may waken at a breath ; 

But, in the silent tomb, conceal 
The secret of his early death : 



For, should he waken, and disclose, 
What now vfQfeely but fear to namCf — 

Our transient joys may end in woes. 
And sully, thus. Love's spotless fame : 

VI 

For though the light attractive glows. 

And tempts the Moth its warmth to claim ; 

Yet, once attained, it sadly shows 

The Moth consumed by deadly flame ! 



CANTILENA IV. 



CONQUEST. 



'T was here we came, and here we stood — 

That first sweet day we told our love — 
And called to witness, stream and wood, 

How true, through life, such love would prove ! 
And, as that mountain, and that stream. 

Shall stand, unchanging, all through time, — 
So, through long years, may Love's bright dream 

Be constant, and in faith sublime ! 

II 

They saw her, coyly, turn away — 

The crimson glowing on her cheek — 
But never heard her say me ** Nay," 

While love, in blushes, thus could speak 1 
For, when I clasped her to my breast, 

And sipped her lips like ruby wine, 
Her warm return, to me, confest 

How much her throbbing heart was mine ! 

89 



9© SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



Ill 

I would she now were here with me, 

That I might drink again of bliss, 
From lips that lisp, so tenderly. 

Amidst the tumult of a kiss ! 
And while I, fondly, placed mine arm 

Around her slender, yielding waist, 
What ecstacy, to feel the charm 

Of thus embracing, whilst embraced ! 

IV 

And, while I gazed upon that brow, 

Long hours would fleeting moments seem : 
For time would fly — we 'd care not how ! — 

While murmuring Love's delicious dream : 
For, though through life come years of care, 

Moments there are, whose blissful power 
Can quench the sorrows of a year, 

In raptures of a single hour ! 



Then, wherefore, loiter, 'mid these nooks, 

The while my steps should swiftly fly, 
Like panting Hart, to water brooks. 

To bask me in her beaming eye ? — 
I see her coming, like the dawn, 

In blushes, to the rising Sun : 
And now I clasp her, on the lawn, 

My day of happiness begun ! 



CANTILENA V. 



LOVE'S BOWER. 



" Oh, come to me, dearest ! " she tenderly said, 

And I flew, at her bidding, with frantic delight ; 
But, suddenly seized with a feeling of dread, 

She shunned my embraces with timid affright. 
But my spirit was frenzied — my heart was on fire, 

And vain her sweet efforts to make me obey : 
For I clasped her, more fondly, transfixed with desire, 

Till love, irrepressent, asserted its sway ! 

II 

How vain to describe it ! no language can speak 

How the blood of the heart boils seethingly over, 
When the love of your soul thus bids you to seek 

The blissful rewards she accords to her lover : 
Can it tell of the thrill that tingles each vein, 

And sets at defiance all laws of controul. 
As, clasped to your bosom, her glances, again. 

Come burning to yours, from the depths of her soul ? 

91 



92 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



Ill 

When, lip unto lip, seems united, forever ; 

And, kiss upon kiss, with galvanic sensation, 
Breathe volumes to lovers, who glow with a fever 

Which only subsides with fair compensation ; 
For, down in her eyes, as you gaze on your treasure, 

A heaven of love shuts the world out from sight — 
As, thrilled with emotions, of exquisite pleasure. 

In silence, you tremble, with throbs of delight ! 

IV 

'T is a moment, for once, that the heart must confess. 

That still there are joys, in life, "worth the living " 
For the holy sensations of woman's caress 

Can heal every wound of a world unforgiving — 
Reposed in the arms of her sheltering love, 

No storm, from without, can discomfort the breast, 
Which knows its consoler will, faithfully, prove 

A haven of refuge, where Sorrow may rest. 



Come to thee dearest ?— aye, ever again ! — 

To nestle on rose-buds of love on thy breast- 
Where heavenly blessings ne'er kindle in vain 

The sacred emotions which there are confest- 
Emotions that prompt me, with exquisite zeal, 

To look upon Thee as the Star of my soul : 
Whose radiance of love will, forever, reveal 

My here, and hereafter, are in thy controul. 



SONGS OF ANTEROS. 

PART SECOND. 



Lady, I believed thee true, 

And was blessed, in thus believing : 
Now, I mourn, that e'er I knew 

One so fair— yet so deceiving ! — MooRE. 



93 



CANZONE * I. 



LOVE'S COMPROMISE. 



Fain would I sing my Lady's praise, 

And tell her all I hope and feel — 
Of sleepless nights, and gloomy days, 

That all my old contentment steal — 
How warm my breast with ardour glows. 

As though my heart were touched with fire : 
As thus, against my life's repose. 

Her matchless beauties all conspire. 

II 

How I would claim a lover's right, 

Inspired by her celestial charms, 
To clasp her (thus), with wild delight, 

Within my fondly circling arms. 
And while I yielded me to Love, 

Abandoned to his softest mood, 
My burning words would deeply prove 

How abject is my heart subdued. 

* The Canzone is distinguished, in the Italian, as being a song more 
serious, or sad, than the Cantilena. 

95 



96 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 

Ill 

But, while my lips to hers were glued — 

As though my soul would enter there, — 
She 'd catch her breath — the little prude ! 

And drive me almost to despair. 
A thousand risks I thus might run, 

Borne onward by a storm of love, 
And yet, perhaps, the guerdon won 

Too slight love's true reward to prove. 

IV 

For, when we meet, and when we part, 

And, in mine own, her hand I press — 
As though I 'd leave my very heart 

Deposited in that caress, — 
Thrilled with mine own impassioned love, 

I wait her palm's response to mine : 
But, *' Tush ! " she cries, " does love improve. 

By crushing-up my hand in thine ? " 



Thus, Lady, should I say, Farewell, 

The while I kissed thy snowy brow, 
I 'd be compelled this truth to tell : — 

'T is just as pure — but, cold as snow ! 
And, since you fear Love's glowing heat 

May melt away its calm composure, 
I 'd fain advise thee that 't were meet 

To keep thee in a " Glass inclosure ! " 



love's compromise. 97 



VI 

Then, Lady, say not thou art mine, 

And that my love is dear to thee ; 
Thou canst not, thus, warm love combine 

With Arctic chills of prudery : 
Either the warmth the cold must thaw, 

Or else be frozen by the ice — 
Unless we now break nature's law, 

And mix them in a compromise. 



CANZONE 11. 



LOVE'S COMPLAINT. 



Colder, and colder, each time that we meet, 

Thy tokens of love are accorded to me : 
Fainter, and fainter, thine accents repeat 

Those passionate pledges, once lavished so free : 
Cold are thy glances — thine accents so calm, 

That once used to tremble with feeling so dear : 
No longer its pressure thy velvety palm 

Returns to the hand of thy lover sincere. 

II 

Calm is thy manner — collected thy mien — 

No radiance of passion encrimsons thy brow — 
Estranged from the bosom, that called thee its Queen, 

'T is, suddenly, Prudence enamours thee now : 
But, while you submit to her cautious controul, 

Poor Love, with the coldness, would die broken-hearted, 
If 't were not that Memory was left to console 

His grief, with her pictures of pleasures departed. 

98 



love's complaint. 99 



III 

*T were rapture to worship a being so bright, 

With all the devotion the lips can express, 
If the Queen of your heart, with a smile of delight, 

Rewards you, in turn, with a burning caress : 
For though we may prize a fair Statue of stone, 

And deeply admire creations of Art, — 
Yet the being, through life, who can cheer us alone, 

Must be a dear creature possessed of a Heart ! 



CANZONE III. 



CHANGE. 



I know not if caprice, or what — 

Or just a fickle love of change, 
By which one's vows may be forgot — 

Prompts thee thy lover to estrange : 
But, didst thou wish to break the spell, 

Which bound him to thy side of yore, 
Thou hast succeeded wondrous well, 

And chilled the heart you warmed before. 

II 

For, blinded by the triple-veil. 

Love held before my trustful eye, 
'T were natural I should, blinded, fail 

Thine innate coldness to descry. 
But Love, nor veil, no more deceives 

The injured bosom, forced to feel 
That all the slights it thus receives, 

Are prompted by a heart of steel. 

100 



CHANGE. 101 



III 



Couldst thou dissect that callous thing, 

Which thou dost still miscall a — Heart, 
Thou 'dst find its every secret spring 

Obeys the blighting touch of Art : 
For while possessed of beauty rare, 

Seductive in a thousand ways, 
That heart's ambition is to snare. 

And mock the victim, while it slays ! 



CANZONE IV. 



THE COQUETTE. 



Farewell, proud one ! as proud as thine, 
The heart that worshipped at thy shrine, 

Won by the smiles you gave ; 
But, since I find that thou art vain, 
That heart, rebellious with disdain, 

Declines to play the Slave. 



II 

Could not the homage of one breast, 
In pure sincerity confest, 

Accord to thee love's due ? 
How contradiction reconcile, 
That, whilst on others still you smile, 

Nath'less thou lov'st me true ? 

102 



THE COQUETTE. I03 



III 

But, if thou hast so large a heart, 
That favours thou canst still impart 

To all who tribute pay : 
Then, Lady, let me set thee free. 
And keep no share reserved for me, 

But give it all away ! 

IV 

Arrayed in all, but honest pride, 
Let Foplings dangle at thy side, 

To catch a glance or smile : 
To them — not me — is given the art 
To woo thy vain, capricious heart, 

And flatter thee with guile. 



And since the incense of such praise 
Ambitious hopes within thee raise 

A Coquette's Crown to wear : 
'T were idle / should ever hope 
With rivals, such as these, to cope. 

But leave thee to their care ! 



CANZONE V. 



LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 



Heed not the Syren's honeyed wiles, 

When from her lips soft murmurs flow : 
For, when she smiles her sweetest smiles, 

She meditates her deadliest blow. 
If once transfixed, by those soft eyes, 

Though thou may'st writhe in bitter grief, 
Her callous heart will but despise. 

And mock the pangs that crave relief. 

II 

Thus Love, so cold to feeling now, 

Crushed at her feet, death- stricken lies : 
Nor broken faith, nor broken vow, 

Can shame, for once, those guilty eyes. 
Yea, Love is dead — unselfish Love, 

Who only wished his Lady well : 
How vain the wish — how vain he strove, 

His cruel fate, alone, can tell. 
104 



LOVE S SACRIFICE. I05 



III 

Morn, noon, and eve, with fervent prayer, 

The Temple of her soul he sought. 
With holy rapture, to declare 

What deep devotion love had wrought. 
Thus did he, daily, sacrifice, 

In homage, at her fatal shrine, 
The gift of gifts — beyond all price. 

The sacred Gift of love divine. 

IV 

And when, at first, he knelt him there 

And thus his holy Offering made. 
With outward joy she heard the prayer. 

And blessed the lips that homage paid : 
Upon the Altar of her breast, 

She nursed, awhile, the sacred flames, 
Till, with such daily care opprest. 

She wearied of its constant claims. 



'T was thus, without a single thought 

Of what the cost to Love would be, 
His ruin, in a moment, wrought, 

And quenched the flames with treachery. 
When Love thus saw his Offering spurned. 

The sacrilege his bosom shocked ; 
Yet still had lived, had not he learned 

That Love must die, if love is mocked. 



[o6 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



VI 

Why heave a sigh — why shed a tear ? — 

*T were better far that Love should die, 
Than live to feel, what none can bear — 

An Idol's insincerity. 
Go seek the world, and pleasures vain, 

But flee the Syren's fair disguise : 
For, such should'st thou e'er love, again, 

Love's Ghost, indignantly, would rise. 



1,- 



CANZONE VI. 



MOTH IN THE FLAME. 



Fair Lady, art thou happier now, 

Than when this heart was wholly thine ? — 
Is there no shadow on thy brow, 

Like that which thus oppresses mine ? — 
Or dost thou, carelessly, rejoice 

To feel that thou art once more free — 
Without the whisper of a voice 

To chide thee for Love's mockery ? 

II 

And dost thou smile, as thou hast smiled — 

Unsaddened by one mournful thought ? — 
Nor feel thy bosom once reviled. 

For all the wrong which thou hast wrought ? 
Still do those bright, but fatal eyes, 

Un dimmed by one regretful tear, 
Impatient, long to sacrifice 

Some other Victim to despair ? 
107 



I08 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



Ill 

Perhaps, at times, when all alone. 

And Memory brings me to thy mind, 
Thy conscience wakens, with a moan. 

To think of Love to death consigned — 
Consigned to death, in bitterness — 

Whose only fault was loving thee — 
Whose only hope of earthly bliss, 

Was in thy heart's sincerity ! 

IV 

Does Caprice, mourning, think of Love, 

And bid thee yield me Friendship's name ? 
How canst thou deem my heart could prove 

Contented, with so poor a claim ? 
Nay ! let all vows be now forgot — 

Since Love to death is now consigned — 
And, at the burial, do thou blot 

My name, and memory, from thy mind. 



CANZONE VII. 



NEMESIS. 



Adieu, thou fair, deceiving one ! 

Nor deem this heart can longer feel 
A. love, which hath that heart undone, 

And penance, only, now can heal. 



II 

Those eyes — wherein I, idly, dreamed 

I saw sincerity exprest — 
Those smiles — which once I fondly deemed 

The index of a truthful breast — 

III 

Those lips — whose every accent fell 

Like Truth's own whispers on mine ear : 

All — all, have lost their potent spell. 
Since thus I prove thee false, as fair ! 
109 



no SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



IV 



Yet, while my bosom thus defies, 
It still must feel one sad regret ; 

That she, in whom such beauty lies, 
Should deign to play the vain Coquette. 



For dost thou deem the senseless throng, 
Which thou hast lured around thy shrine, 

Can compensate thee for the wrong 
Which thou hast done a heart like mine ? 

VI 

Alas ! that heart, so deeply grieved, 
Can read, prophetic, on thy brow, 

That thou, like me, shalt be deceived. 
And feel the pangs I suffer now. 



CANZONE VIII. 



REMORSE. 



Of poisonous gases of the skies, 

The Meteor's treacherous fabric made, 
The hollow sphere, in tangents, flies. 

And bursts, when Order 't would invade 
So thus the Star I once adored. 

Became a Meteor — false as fair. 
And fell to ashes, when it soared 

In Love's congenial atmosphere ! 

II 

How strange ! that I should once believe 

That she could e'er be true to me ; 
Or deem that one, who dared deceive, 

Would spare me from her treachery ! 
False to thyself, and false to all. 

Whom every tie endeared to thee. 
Thou, like the Meteor, too, shalt fall 

A wreck, to reckless levity. 
Ill 



112 SONGS OF ANTEROS. 



Ill 

And when those eyes, of heavenly hue, 

Shall fade beneath the hand of Time : 
Nor — once seductive — more subdue 

Thy dupes — unconscious of thy crime : 
Then let thy glances inwards turn. 

Where Conscience must, at last, controul. 
That, with remorse, thy heart may burn, 

To view the treachery of thy soul. 

IV 

While he, the victim of thy smile, 

Which all his soul could once entrance — 
Till learned, too late, what fatal guile 

There lurked beneath thy guilty glance — 
Consumed by flames, that will not die, 

Defiant of remorseful shame. 
Must mourn, in woe, the infamy 

Which desecrates Love's holy name : 



But, while he thus, to Anteros, 

His bitter Sacrifice hath made — 
To find, too late, what hopeless loss 

Revengeth Love, by guilt betrayed- 
The Sacrifice is not in vain. 

If honest Love, which purifies. 
Shall teach some bosom to disdain 

The Evil Love's deceptive guise. 

FINIS. 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



CANTO FIRST. 



"3 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



CANTO FIRST. 



How fell thine Empire, mighty Aztec king ! 
In tuneful numbers let the Muses sing ; — ^ 

Page 7. 

Of all that extensive Empire which once acknowledged 
the authority of Spain in the New World, no portion, for 
interest and importance, can be compared with Mexico. 
. . . The character of its ancient inhabitants, not only 
far surpassing, in intelligence, that of the other North 
American races, but reminding us, by their monuments, 
of the primitive civilization of Egypt and Hindostan. 
. . . Of the country of the ancient Mexicans, or 
Aztecs, as they were called, its boundaries cannot be de- 
fined with certainty. They were much enlarged in the 
latter days of the Empire, and presented every variety of 
climate, and was capable of yielding nearly every fruit 
found between the Equator and the Arctic circle. . . . 
They had many claims to the character of a civilized com- 
munity, and had made great proficiency in many of the 
social and mechanic arts. At the time of the Conquest, 
the Aztec throne was filled by Montezuma, the Second — 

"5 



Il6 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



grandson of a preceding monarch. . . . His name 
suited his nature : signifying sad, or severe, man, — and 
his deportment was well calculated to inspire ideas of 
superior sanctity. — Prescott's " Conquest of Mexico." 

Morn breaks refulgent on their snowy spires, 
And gilds the Andes with celestial fires.^ 

Page 7. 

Midway across the continent, at an elevation of nearly 
7,500 feet, is the celebrated Valley of Mexico. It is of an 
oval form, about sixty-seven leagues in circumference ; 
and is encompassed by a towering rampart of porphyritic 
rock, with the huge volcanoes Popocatepetl, and Iztacci- 
huatl guarding the entrance, with the head of Orizaba in 
the east. The soil is carpeted with a beautiful verdure. 

. . . Five lakes spread over the valley, of which 
the most important is Tezcuco ; on the bosom of which 
stood the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, or Mexico. . . . 
A chain of volcanic hills stretches in a westerly direction, 
forming some of the highest lands on the globe. Their 
peaks enter the limits of perpetual snow ; and the travel- 
ler, after he has climbed to the height of seven or eight 
thousand feet, sets his foot on the summit of the Cordel- 
leras, or Andes. — Ibid, 

Whose wrathful thunders, in their fiery throes, 
Portend destruction to invading foes." 

Page 8. 

The great volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, 
rose to the enormous height of 17,852 feet above the 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. II7 



level of the sea, more than 2,000 feet higher than the 
" Monarch of mountains " — Mont Blanc, which is 
15,670 feet, the highest elevation in Europe. At the 
time of the Conquest, they were frequently in a state of 
eruption, and raged with uncommon fury while the Span- 
iards were at Tlascala, which was regarded as an evil 
omen by the natives of Anahuac, — Ibid. 

But man, depraved, no more his God reveres — 
No light divinely sanctifies his prayers : * 

Page 9. 

The Aztecs recognized the existence of a supreme 
Creator, and Lord of the universe. They addressed him 
in their prayers as : " The god by whom we live — -omnipo- 
tent, that knoweth all thoughts, and giveth all gifts, 
without whom man is nothing — invisible, incorporeal, one 
god of perfection and purity, and under whose wings we 
find repose, and a sure defence." These sublime attri- 
butes infer no inadequate conception of the True God. 
But the idea of Unity — a being with whom Volition is Ac- 
tion — who has no need of inferior ministers to execute 
his purposes — was too simple, or too vast, for their under- 
standings ; and they sought relief, as usual, in a plurality 
of deities ; who presided over the elements, the changes 
of the seasons, and the various occupations of man. Of 
these there were Thirteen Principal deities, and more than 
Two hundred inferior, to each of whom some special day, 
or appropriate festival, was consecrated. — Ibid. 

For, in yon Temples, glittering all in gold, 
To senseless Idols all his faith is sold."* 

Page 9. 



Il8 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



The Mexican Temples, or Teocallis — houses of God, as 
they were called, were very numerous. There were 
several hundreds in each of the principal cities. They 
were solid masses of earth, cased with stone ; and, in 
their form, somewhat resembled the Pyramidal structures 
of ancient Egypt. The bases of many of them were 
more than a hundred feet square, and they towered to 
a still greater height. They were distributed into four 
or five stories — each of smaller dimensions than that 
below. The ascent was by a flight of steps, at an angle 
of the Pyramid, on the outside. This led to a sort of 
Terrace at the base of the second story, which passed 
quite around the building to another flight of stairs, 
commencing at the same angle as the preceding one, 
and directly over it, and leading to a similar terrace ; 
so that one had to make the circuit of the Temple 
several times, before reaching the summit. . . . The top 
was a broad area, on which were erected one or two 
towers, forty or fifty feet high — the sanctuaries in which 
stood the sacred Images of the presiding deities. Before 
these towers stood the dreadful Stone of Sacrifice, and 
two lofty Altars ; on which the Sacred Fires were kept, 
as inextinguishable as those in the Temple of Vesta. 
There were said to be Six hundred of these Altars, on 
smaller buildings, within the inclosure of the Great 
Temple of Mexico ; which, with those on the sacred 
edifices, in other parts, shed a brilliant illumination over 
its streets through the darkest nights. From the con- 
struction of these Temples, all religious services were 
public. The long processions of Priests, winding around 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. I19 



their massive sides, as they rose, higher and higher, 
towards the summit, and the dismal rites of Sacrifice 
performed there, were visible from the remotest corner 
of the Capital — impressing on the spectator's mind a 
superstitious veneration for the mysteries of his religion, 
as well as for the dread ministers by whom they were 
interpreted ; and this impression was kept in full force 
by their numerous festivals. — Ibid. 

Whose wrath to soften, hapless victims slain. 
From bleeding bosoms, yield their Hearts in vain." 

Page 9. 

Human Sacrifices were adopted by the Aztecs in the 
Fourteenth century, about two hundred years before the 
Conquest ; rare, at first, they became more frequent with 
the wider extent of the Empire ; till, at length, almost 
every festival was closed with this cruel abomination. 
These religious ceremonials were generally arranged in 
such a manner as to afford a type of the most prom- 
inent circumstances in the character or history of the 
deity who was the object of them. . . . On the summit 
of the Temple, the victim was received by six Priests, 
whose long and matted locks flowed disorderly over 
their sable robes, covered with Hieroglyphic scrolls of 
mysterious import. These led him to the Sacrificial 
Stone — a huge block of Jasper, with its upper surface 
somewhat convex. On this the victim was stretched. 
Five Priests secured his head, and his limbs ; while the 
Sixth, clad in a Scarlet Mantle, emblematic of his 
bloody office, dexterously opened the breast of the 



I20 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



wretched victim with a sharp raysor, or Itzli— a volcanic 
substance as hard as flint — and, inserting his hand in 
the wound, tore out the palpitating heart. The minister 
of death, holding this up to the sun — an object of wor- 
ship throughout Anahuac, — then cast it at the feet of 
the deity to whom the Temple was devoted, while the 
multitudes below prostrated themselves in humble adora- 
tion. Such was the form of Human Sacrifice usually 
practiced by the Aztecs. — Ibid. 

Till drunk with madness such a Rite inspires, 
New hundreds suffer on those thirsty Pyres.'^ 

Page 9. 

Human Sacrifices have been practiced by many nations, 
not excepting the most polished of antiquity, but never 
by any on a scale to be compared with those of Anahuac. 
. . . On great occasions, as the coronation of a king, 
or the consecration of a Temple, the number becomes 
appalling. At the dedication of the Great Temple of 
Huitzilpotchli, in i486, the prisoners, who for some years 
had been reserved for the purpose, were drawn from all 
quarters to the Capital. They were ranged in files, form- 
ing a procession nearly two miles long. The ceremony 
consumed several days, and Seventy thousand captives 
are said to have perished at the shrine of this terrible 
deity. . . . Without attempting any precise calcula- 
tion, it is safe to conclude that thousands were yearly 
offered up in the different cities of Anahuac on the 
bloody altars of these Mexican divinities. — Ibid. 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. I2I 



Like some fair matron of bewitching grace, 
Beside yon mountain in its strong embrace/ 

Page 9. 

The Valley of Mexico, or Tenochtitlan, as it was more 
commonly called by the natives, is a picturesque assem- 
blage of water, woodland, and cultivated plains, shining 
city and hills, intermingled with orchards and blooming 
gardens ; and in the centre of the great basin, lie the 
great lakes, the most prominent of which is Tezcuco, 
7,500 feet above the level of the sea, in the midst of which 
the fair city of Mexico, with her towers and Pyramidal 
Temples, reposes as it were on the bosom of the waters — 
the far-famed Venice of the Aztecs. While, also, is seen 
the Chinampas, or floating gardens — wandering islands of 
verdure, teeming with flowers and vegetables — all seems 
like enchantment, and only to be compared to the magical 
pictures in the Amadis de Gaula — for few pictures, in- 
deed, in that, or any other legend of chivalry, could sur- 
pass it in reality. . . . The name Tezcuco, signifies 
a place of rest. — Ibid. 

Where, throned in grandeur on her silvery sea. 
Great Tenochtitlan stands in majesty." 

Page 10. 

From its insular position, the metropolis was bathed on 
all sides by the salt floods of Tezcuco ; while beyond 
stretched a wide prospect, with the burnished walls of 
many a lofty Temple, rising high above the trees, and 
crowning the hill-tops. The view reached, in an un- 



122 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



broken line, to the very base of the circular range of 
mountains, whose frosty peaks glittered, as if touched 
with fire in the morning's rays. — Ibid. 

Within whose Temples, sculptured Tombs disclose 
The spots where Monarchs, in their depths repose — ^^ 

Page io. 

Sculptured images were so numerous, that the founda- 
tions of the Cathedral (built on the site of the Great 
Temple) are said to be entirely composed of them. 
This spot may, indeed, be regarded as the Aztec Forum 
— the great depository of ancient sculpture, which now 
lie hid in its bosom. " Among the Temples," says Cortez 
in his letter to Charles V., " is one which far surpasses all 
the rest ; whose grandeur of architectural details no 
human tongue is able to describe. . . . There are 
fully forty towers lofty and well built, . . . All these 
towers are the burial-places of the Nobles." — Ibid. 

O'er massive dikes, by which the waves are spanned. 
Linking the city to the sylvan strand," 

Page io. 

The ancient city of Mexico, or Tenochtitlan, covered 
the same spot occupied by the modern Capital. The 
great dikes, or causeways, touched it in the same points ; 
the streets ran in much the same direction, nearly north 
and south, and from east to west. . . . The ancient 
dikes were three in number. . . . Their edifices were 
constructed with reference to architectural solidity and 
elegance. Their earliest Temples were dedicated to the 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. I23 



Sun ; and they gave utterance to their feelings in hymns 
of much solemnity and pathos. — Ibid. 

The great Tianguez, densely in they pour, 
With fruits, and flowers, and wares, in generous store ;" 

Page io. 

On advancing near to the Tianguez, or Great Market, 
the Spaniards were astonished at the great throng of 
people pressing towards it ; on entering the place, their 
surprise was still further heightened by the sight of the 
multitudes assembled there. . . . Here were met 
traders from all parts, with the products and manu- 
factures peculiar to their countries — all busily engaged 
in recommending their respective wares, and chaffering 
with the purchasers. . . . The market-place was 
surrounded by deep Porticoes, and the articles had each 
its own Quarter allotted to it. . . . All these com- 
modities, and every stall and portico, were almost 
smothered in flowers. . , . The causeways were 
thronged with traders flocking towards it. . . . The 
most perfect order reigned throughout this vast assem- 
blage. Officers patrolled the square to keep the peace, 
and see thai no false measures, or fraud of any kind, 
were used, and to bring the offenders at once to Justice. 
A court of Twelve Judges sat, clothed with ample and 
summary powers ; and the extreme severity with which 
they exercised these powers, in more than one instance, 
proves that they were not a dead letter. Here were seen 
all the rays of civilization which were scattered through- 
out the land. — Ibid. 



124 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



And, clothed in sable, fast for weary years, 
Till wealthy Brides, at length, reward a life of prayers." 

Page 12. 

All the Priests dress in black, and never cut or comb 
their hair, from the time they enter the Priesthood until 
they leave it ; and all the sons of the principal inhab- 
itants, both Nobles and respectable citizens, are placed 
in the Temples, and wear the same dress, from the age of 
seven or eight years, until they are taken out to be mar- 
ried, which occurs more frequently with the first-born, 
who inherit estates, than with the others. The Priests 
are debarred female society, nor is any woman permitted 
to enter the religious houses. They also abstain from 
certain kinds of food, more at some seasons of the year 
than others. — Cortez' Letter, Ibid. 



When thus the Monarch, from his night's repose, 
Attends his Consort, and relates his woes : — " 

Page 12. 

The rites of marriage were celebrated with as much 
formality as in any Christian country ; and the institution 
was held in such reverence, that a tribunal was instituted 
for the sole purpose of determining all questions relating 
to it. Divorces could not he obtained until authorized by a 
sentence of this court, after a patient hearing of the par- 
ties. Polygamy was permitted among the Mexicans, but 
was chiefly confined to the wealthy classes ; and the obli- 
gations of the marriage vow, made with all the formality 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 1 25 



of a religious ceremony, were fully recognized and im- 
pressed upon both parties. . . . They had but one 
lawful wife, to whose issue the Crown descended. . . . 
Montezuma's first wife was named Tezalca. — Ibid. 

Thou, skilled in mysteries of the starry host. 
This dream interpret, ere my Crown be lost." 

Page 13. 

The false science of Astrology is natural to a state of 
society partially civilized ; when the mind, impatient of 
the slow and cautious examination, by which alone it can 
arrive at truth, launches at once into the region of specu- 
lation, and rashly attempts to lift the veil which is drawn 
around the mysteries of nature. ... The Astrological 
scheme of the Aztecs was founded less upon the planetary 
influence than on those of the arbitrary signs they had 
adopted for the months and days. The character of the 
leading Sign in each Lunar cycle of thirteen days gave a 
complexion to the whole, though this was qualified, in 
some degree, by the Signs of the succeeding days, as well 
as by those of the hours. It was in adjusting these con- 
flicting forces that the art of the diviner was shown. In 
no country, not even in Egypt, were the dreams of the 
Astrologer more implicitly deferred to. — Ibid. 

Anahuac's Sovereigns' great imperial right — 
Ascend the Temple, and, with Priestly might," 

Page 14. 

During the latter years of his reign, Montezuma had 
rarely taken part in his military expeditions, which he 



126 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



left o his captains ; occupying himself, chiefly, with his 
Sacerdotal functions. Under no Prince had the Priest- 
hood enjoyed greater consideration and immunities. 
The religious festivals and rites were celebrated with 
unprecedented pomp. The Oracles were consulted on 
the most trivial occasions, and the sanguinary deities 
were propitiated by hecatombs of victims, dragged in tri- 
umph to the Capital from the conquered or rebellious 
provinces. The religion, or, to speak more correctly, the 
superstition, of M.onX.QzwxaSi proved a principal cause of his 
calamines. . . . The god Tezcatlipoca was repre- 
sented as a young man endowed with perpetual youth, 
with a Shield burnished like a mirror, in which he saw 
reflected all the doings of the world.* — Ibid. 

There is a youth Tlascala's mountains bare, 
LucALLAN called — with glossy raven-hair :" 

Page 14. 

When Montezuma was asked why he had suffered the 
Republic of Tlascala to maintain her independence on 
his borders, he replied : — " That she might furnish him 
with victims for his gods ! "... By mutual arrange- 
ment with Tlascala and her confederates, a battle-field 
was marked out, on which the troops of the hostile 
nations were to engage at stated seasons, and thus supply 
themselves with subjects for Sacrifice. The victorious 
party was not to pursue his advantage by invading the 
other's territory, and they were to continue, in all re- 



* See also Note 32. 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 127 



spects, on the most amicable footing ! ... In sacri- 
ficing to Tezcatlipoca, the victim was required to be a 
captive distinguished for his personal beauty ^ and without 
a blemish on his body. — Ibid, 

Convened the Council, and, among the great, 
Resumed the honours, and the cares of State.^^ 

Page 15. 

The Aztec Princes, especially toward the close of the 
dynasty, lived in a barbaric pomp truly Oriental. Their 
spacious palaces were provided with Halls for the differ- 
ent councils, who aided the Monarch in the transactions 
of business. . . . To advise him with respect to the 
government of the provinces, the administration of the 
revenues, and, indeed, on all great matters of public 
interest. In the royal buildings were accommodations, 
also, for a numerous Body-Guard of the Sovereign, made 
up of the chief Nobility : for there was a distinct class of 
Nobles, with large landed-possessions, who held the most 
important offices near the person of the Prince, and en- 
grossed the administration of the provinces and cities. 
Many of these could trace their descent from the founders 
of the Aztec monarchy. There were Thirty great Ca- 
ziques, who had their residence a part of the year in the 
Capital, and who could muster a hundred thousand 
vassals, each, on their estates ; it is thus evident that their 
power must have been very formidable. — Ibid. 

But, thus dejected, though in splendour crowned, 
*Midst all his grandeur, Montezuma frowned — " 

Page 15. 



128 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



Where the king presided in court, there was a Throne 
of pure gold, inlaid with tourquoises and other precious 
stones. . . . Above the Throne was a canopy of varie- 
gated plumage, from the centre of which shot forth 
resplendent rays of gold and jewels ; and was also sur- 
mounted with a canopy of feathers, on which were em- 
blazoned the Royal Arms. His Crown was mitred, 
incrusted with precious stones. — Ibid. 

But when you. Princes, for our country's good. 
Gave me the Sceptre, with its terms of blood, — ''° 

Page 15. 

Montezuma displayed all the enterprise and energy in 
the commencement of his reign which had been antici- 
pated from him. His first expedition against a rebel 
province in the neighbourhood was crowned with success; 
and he led back, in triumph, a throng of captives for the 
bloody sacrifice that was to grace his coronation. . . . 
In his first years, he was constantly engaged in war, and 
frequently led his armies in person. . . , The Aztec 
Banners were seen in the farthest provinces on the Gulf • 
of Mexico, and the distant regions of Nicaragua and 
Honduras. The expeditions were generally successful, 
and the limits of the Empire were more widely extended 
than at any previous period. — Ibid. 

Against my nature, Havoc scourged our race, 
The Crown, with safety, on my head to place ; " 

Page 15. 

The Sovereigns were selected from the brothers of the 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 129 



deceased Prince; or, in default of them, from his 
nephews. — The last Monarch was Montezuma's uncle. — 
Thus the election was always restricted to the same 
family. The candidate preferred must have distinguished 
himself in war, though, as in the case of Montezuma, 
he were a member of the Priesthood. . . . The new 
Monarch was installed in his Royal dignity with much 
parade of religious ceremony ; but not until, by a vigor- 
ous campaign, he had obtained a sufficient number of 
captives to grace his triumphant entry into the Capital 
and to furnish victims for the dark and bloody rites 
which stained the Aztec superstition — was he crowned, 
amidst this pomp of Human Sacrifice. — Ibid. 

Uprose Nezhualco — Tenochtitlan's Seer — 
By age exalted o'er each proud compeer," 

Page i8. 

It would be incredible that a man of the enlarged mind 
and endowments of Nezahualcoyotl, should acquiesce in 
the sordid superstitions of his countrymen ; and still more 
in the sanguinary rites borrowed by them from the Aztecs. 
In truth, his humane temper shrunk from these cruel cere- 
monies, and he strenuously endeavored to recall\v\^ people 
to the more pure and simple worship of the ancient Tol- 
tecs. He had been married some years, but was not 
blessed with issue. The Priests represented that it was 
owing to his neglect of the gods, and that his only remedy 
was to propitiate them by Human Sacrifices. He reluc- 
tantly consented, and the altars once more smoked with 
the blood of slaughtered captives. But it was all in vain, 



130 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



and he indignantly exclaimed : — " These idols, of wood, 
and stone, can neither hear, nor feel, much less could 
they make the heavens and the earth, and man, the lord 
of all ! These must be the works of the All-powerful, 
Unknown God — Creator of the universe, on whom I must 
alone rely for consolation and support ! " He then with- 
drew to his Royal Palace of Tezcotzinco, where he re- 
mained forty days, fasting and praying at stated hours, 
and offering up no other Sacrifice than sweet incense, and 
aromatic herbs, and gums. At the expiration of this 
time, he is said to have been comforted by a vision, 
assuring him of the success of his petition. . . . Greatly 
strengthened by his religious convictions, he now openly 
professed his faith; and was more earnest to wean his 
people from their degrading Superstition, and to substi- 
tute nobler and more spiritual conceptions of the Deity. 
He built a Temple, which he dedicated to the Unknown 
God— the Cause of causes. No images were allowed in 
this edifice, as he deemed all such unsuited to the In- 
visible God ; and the people were expressly forbidden 
from profaning the Altars with blood, or any Sacrifice 
other than that of the perfume of Flowers and sweet- 
scented gums. ... A Sovereign thought himself 
honored in being permitted to assist in the services of the 
Temple. — Ibid. 

Him, in times past, I 've heard the Fathers say, 
The Toltec kings delighted to obey : " 

Page 20. 

Processions were made of women and children, 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 131 



crowned with garlands, and bearing offerings of fruits, 
the ripened maize, sweet incense, and odoriferous gums ; 
while the altars of the Deity were stained with no blood, 
save that of animals. These were the peaceful rites de- 
rived from their Toltec predecessors, on which the fierce 
Aztec engrafted a superstition too loathsome to be ex- 
hibited. — Ibid. 

He sent Quetzalcol, unto whom was given 

His high commission from the Throne of heaven : " 

Pages 17, 20. 

Quetzalcol was a divinity who, during his residence on 
earth, instructed the Toltecs in the use of metals, agri- 
culture, and in the art of government, and a more spirit- 
ualized religion, in which the only Sacrifices were the 
Fruits and Flowers of the season. . . . These were 
the mystic systems of so many nations in the Old World. 
It was the Golden Age of Anahuac. . . . He is 
represented with a Jewelled Sceptre in one hand, 
and a Shield, curiously painted, — the emblem of his 
rule over the winds, — in the other. . . . On abandon- 
ing the country, he passed through Cholula, where a 
Temple was dedicated to his worship. . . . When he 
reached the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, he took leave 
of his followers, promising : that he and his descendants 
would revisit them hereafter ; and, then entering his 
wizard skiff, embarked on the great ocean for the fabled 
land of Tlapallan. He was said to have been tall in 
stature, and with a white skin, long dark hair, a flowing 
heard. The Aztecs looked confidently for the return of 



132 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



this good deity ; and this remarkable tradition^ deeply 
cherished in their hearts, prepared the way^ as we shall 
see, for the future success of the Spaniards. His coming 
was looked forward to with hope^ or apprehension^ accord- 
ing to the interest of the believer ; and it was as. confi- 
dently cherished, as was Sebastian by the Portuguese, or 
the Messiah by the Jews. — Ibid. 

HuiTZiLPO came — Tezcatli's Son-of-War — 
With Bow and Shafts, these peaceful rites to mar ;" 

Page 21. 

Huitzilopotchli, signifying Humming-Bird, was the 
Aztec Mars, and Patron Saint of the nation. His fantas- 
tic Image was loaded with costly ornaments, his Temples 
the most stately and august — his altars reeked with the 
blood of human hecatombs. . . . He is represented as 
born of woman. His mother, a devout person, one day 
in her attendance on the Temple, saw a ball of bright- 
colored feathers floating in the air. She took it and de- 
posited it in her bosom. She soon after found herself 
pregnant, and the dread deity was born — coming into the 
world, like Minerva, all armed, with a Spear in his right 
hand, and a Shield in his left, and his head was sur- 
mounted by a crest of Plumes, having the feathers of the 
Humming-Bird on his left foot. ... In the Great 
Temple, as seen by Cortez, in his right hand he wielded 
a Bow, and in his left a bunch of Golden Arrows, which a 
mystic legend had connected with the victories of his 
people. The huge folds of a Serpent were coiled around 
his waist, consisting of pearls and precious stones. The 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 133 



most conspicuous ornament was a chain of gold and sil- 
ver Hearts, alternate, suspended around his neck, em- 
blematical of the Sacrifices in which he most delighted. — 
Ibid. 

If, haply, captives he can hither bring, 
HuiTZiLPo's banquet from their breasts to wring.^' 

Page 21. 

The great object of war with the Aztecs was quite as 
much to gather victims for their Sacrifices, as to extend 
their empire. Hence it was that an enemy was never 
slain in battle if there was a chance of taking him alive. 
To this circumstance the Spaniards, repeatedly, owed 
their preservation. — Ibid. 

" Hark you, Nezhualco ! " proud Cazama cries — 
Cazama of a hundred victories : '^'' 

Page 23. 

In 15 16, died Nezahualpilli (son of Nezahualcoyotl). 
The succession was contested by his two sons, Cazama 
and Ixtlilxochitl. The former was supported by Monte- 
zuma. The latter, the younger of the Princes, a bold 
aspiring youth, appealing to the patriotic sentiments of 
his nation, would fain have persuaded them that Cazama 
was too much in the Mexican interest. A civil war 
ensued. — Ibid. 

He reached Tezcuco — when, down swooping flew 
A Royal Eagle, and a Serpent slew." 

Page 25. 



134 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



Tezcuco, signifying a place of rest, here the tribe 
of Anahuac — near the water — halted. . . . They 
then beheld, perched on the stem of a prickly pear, 
which shot out from the crevice of a rock that was 
washed by the waves, a Royal Eagle of extraordinary 
size and beauty, with a Serpent in his talons, and his 
broad wings expanded to the sun. They hailed the 
auspicious Omen, announced by the Oracles, as in- 
dicating the site of their future city, and laid its founda- 
tions at once. The place was called Tenochtitlan, in 
token of its miraculous origin, and now known as the 
city of Mexico, from their War-god Mexitli. Tenoch- 
titlan signifies on a rock. — Ibid, 

Palenque's, Mitla's, Uxmal's ruins stand, 
Majestic monuments of their great hand." 

Page 27. 

In seeking for analogies with the Old World, we should 
not pass by, in silence, the Architectural remains of the 
country ; indeed, from their resemblance to the Pyramidal 
structures of Egypt, have suggested to more than one 
Antiquary the idea of a common origin. ... Of all 
the stately edifices extolled by the Spaniards who first 
visited the country, some of these still remained ; like 
the Temple of Xochicalco, the palaces of Teztcotzinco, 
etc. If we descend the south-eastern slope of the 
Cordilleras, the rich valley Oaxaca, the forests of Chiapa 
and Yucatan ; in the midst of these lovely regions, 
we meet with the ruins of several ancient cities, Mitla, 
Palenque, Itzaland, and Uxmal ; which argue a higher 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. I35 

civilization than any thing found on the American con- 
tinent. . . . The Toltecs were well instructed in 
Agriculture, and many of the most useful mechanic 
arts ; were nice workers of metals ; invented the com- 
plex arrangement of Time, adopted by the Aztecs : in 
short, were the true fountains of their progress, . . . 
The civilization which they possessed descended from 
the Toltecs — a race who never stained their altars, still 
less their banquets, with the blood of man. All that 
deserved the name of Science in Mexico came from this 
source.— /^/^. 

Thus came corruption — and great Acolhuan, 
With Aztec joined, in league with Tlacopan : '" 

Page 27. 

At the beginning of the Sixteenth century, just before 
the arrival of the Spaniards, the Aztec dominion reached 
across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; 
and, under the bold and bloody Ahuitzotl, its arms had 
been carried into the farthest corners of Guatemala and 
Nicaragua. The Tezcucans, or Acolhuans, were a na- 
tion of the same great family with the Aztecs ; with 
whom, and the Tlacopans, a league was formed, which 
culminated into the Empire. In all their operations, 
whether of peace or war, they shared each other's coun- 
cils, embarked in each other's enterprises, and moved in 
perfect concert together, till just before the coming of the 
Spaniards. — Ibid. 

In Battle's gage — our custom oft of yore — 
The victim thus may pledge his votive gore : " 

Page 28. 



136 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



One Sacrifice, of a less revolting character, deserves to 
be mentioned. ... A captive of distinction was some- 
times furnished with arms, and brought against a number, 
in succession. If he defeated them all, as did occasion- 
ally happen, he was allowed to escape. If vanquished, 
he was dragged to the Block, and sacrificed in the usual 
manner. — Ibid. 

Behold, unmindful of impending fate. 
The hapless Victim, in his regal state : ^^ 

Page 29. 

One of their most important festivals was that in honor 
of the god Tezcatlipoca, who was depicted as a hand- 
some man, endowed vfith. perpetual youth. A year before 
the intended Sacrifice, a captive, distinguished for his 
personal beauty, and without a blemish on his body, was 
selected to represent this deity. Certain tutors took 
charge of him, and instructed him how to perform his 
part with becoming grace and dignity. He was arrayed 
in splendid dresses, regaled with incense and a profusion 
of sweet-scented flowers. When he went abroad, he was 
attended by a train of Royal Pages ; and, as he halted in 
the streets, to play their favorite melodies, the crowd 
prostrated themselves before him, and did him homage, 
as the representative of their deity. In this way he led 
an easy, luxurious life. . . . Four beautiful Maidens 
bearing the names of the principal Goddesses, shared the 
honours of his couch ; and, with them, he lived in idle 
dalliance, and feasted at the banquets of the principal 
Nobles, who paid him all the honors of a divinity. At 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. I37 



length the fatal day of Sacrifice arrived — the term of his 
short-lived glory was at an end. He was stripped of his 
gaudy apparel, and bade adieu to the fair partners of his 
revelries. One of the Royal Barges transported him 
across the lake to a Temple, which rose on its margin. 
Hither the inhabitants of the Capital flocked, to witness 
the consummation of the ceremony. — Ibid. 

But, wildly startling all that amorous bovver, 
The Serpent-tocsin wakes the distant Tower : " 

Page 30. 

The tranquillity of the hour was, on a sudden, broken by 
the strange sounds of the Great Drum in the Temple. 
This intimated some solemn act of religion, in the pre- 
cints of the Temple. This Drum was a huge cylinder 
made of Serpents' skins, and struck only on extraordinary 
occasions ; when it sent forth a melancholy sound that 
might be heard for miles, and vibrated through every 
quarter of the Capital. — Ibid. 

Stern in his mien, upon the flinty field, 
LucALLAN stands, with spear and blazoned shield : " 

Page 31. 

This combat was fought on a huge circular stone, be- 
fore the assembled Capital. . . . The dress of the 
higher warriors was picturesque, and often magnificent. 
Their bodies were covered with a vest of quilted cotton 
two inches thick, fitting close to the body, with a Tunic 
covering the thighs. Over this they wore a Cuirass of 
gold, or silver-plate. And over all a Mantle, or Surcoat, 



138 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



of gorgeous feather- work, was thrown, embroidered with 
curious art, and thus exhibited their Family Colors, in 
the same manner as the Tartan of the Highlander, or like 
the Surcoat worn by the European knights over their 
Armour in the Middle Ages. . . . Their helmets were 
sometimes of silver, on the top of which waved the Pan- 
ache of varigated Plumes, sprinkled wish precious stones, 
and ornaments of gold ; indicating, also, by its form and 
colors, their rank and family. . . . Their legs were de- 
fended by Sandals, trimmed with gold. They carried 
Shields, covered with leather, and decorated with orna- 
ments, and fringed with a beautiful pendant of feather- 
work. Their weapons were slings, bows and arrows, jav- 
elins and darts, and they excelled in throwing the javelin. 
The broad Maquawhitl was the TVEexican Sword. The 
Itzli, or obsidian, they made into knives and serrated 
swords ; it took a keen edge, and was a dark, transpar- 
ent mineral, and extremely hard. . . . The Golden 
Eagle, with outspread wings, and richly ornamented with 
emeralds and silver-work, was the Great Standard of the 
Republic of Tlascala. — Ibid. 

A royal Courier — whose bright Scarlet cloak 
Of news important, by its colour, spoke — " 

Page 34. 

Communication was maintained with the remotest parts 
of the country by means of Couriers, Post-Houses were 
established on the great roads, about two leagues apart. 
The Courier, bearing his despatches in the form of a 
hieroglyphical painting, ran with them to the first station^ 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



^39 



where they were taken by another and carried forward to 
the next, and so on until they reached the Capital, These 
Couriers travelled with incredible swiftness — despatches 
were carried from one to two hundred miles a day ; and 
the dress of the Courier, denoting by its co/or that of his 
tidings, spread joy, or consternation, through the towns 
in which he passed. . . . These despatches were done 
up sometimes into Rolls, but more frequently into Vol- 
umes of moderate size, in which the paper was shut up 
like a folding screen, or fan, with a leaf or tablet of 
wood at each extremity, that gave the whole, when closed, 
the appearance of a Book. — IMd. 

As thus, obeisant, he addressed the king : — 
" From Cozumel, oh Sire ! the news I bring." ^^ 

Page 34. 
An Hidalgo of Cuba, named Hernandez de Cordova, 
sailed with three vessels on an expedition to one of the 
neighboring Bahama Islands. ... A succession of gales 
drove him far out of his course, and he found himself on 
a strange and unknown coast. The reports he brought 
back of the country convinced Velasquez of the impor- 
tance of the discovery. . . . Accordingly he fitted out 
a little Squadron of J^our Vessels, and placed it under the 
command of his nephew, Juan de Grijalva, May i, 15 18. 
It took the course pursued by Cordova, but was driven 
more to the South. The first land that it made was the 
island of Cozumel. . . . Grijalva has the glory of being 
the j^rsf navigator who set foot on Mexican soil, and 
opened an intercourse with the Aztecs. — /did* 

END OF NOTES TO CANTO FIRST. 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA, 



CANTO SECOND, 



141 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



CANTO SECOND. 



Like monster Lions, crouched infuriate, 
Here Calp6 and Abyla watch the strait/ 

Page 43. 

The Straits of Gibraltar, or Pillars of Hercules, as 
called by the ancients, standing at the entrance of the 
Mediterranean Sea. The mountain of Calpe on the 
European side, and Abyla on the African. The huge, 
isolated Rock of Gibraltar requires but little stretch 
of the imagination to recognize its remarkable resem- 
blance to a Lion-couchant. 

Beside the sea, where Cadiz* walls arise, 
Ovando's fleet inspires admiring eyes : "^ 

Page 46. 

This was the splendid armament fitted out under don 
Nicholas de Ovando, successor to Columbus. — " Con- 
quest of Mexico." 

What stirs those chieftains, who disdain disguise ? — 
A World unconquered in the distance lies : ^ 

Page 46. 

143 



144 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



The restless Cavalier, who could no longer win laurels 
on the fields of Africa, or Europe, turned, with eagerness, 
to the brilliant career opened to him beyond the ocean. 
. . . The dread mystery which had so long hung over 
the great deep, had indeed been removed. It was no 
longer beset with the same undefined horrors, as when 
Columbus launched his bold bark on its dark and un- 
known waters. A new and glorious world had been 
thrown open. . . . The career thus thrown open, 
had all the fascinations of a desperate hazard, on which 
the adventurer staked all his hopes of fortune, fame, and 
life itself. . . . Report added fresh fuel to imagina- 
tions already warm by the study of those tales of Chiv- 
alry which formed the favorite reading of the Spaniard 
at that period. Thus romance and reality acted on each 
other, and the soul of the Spaniard was exalted to that 
pitch of enthusiasm, which enabled him to encounter the 
terrible trials that lay in the path of the discoverer. 
Indeed, the life of the Cavaliers of that day was Romance 
put in action. The story of his adventures, in the New 
World, forms one of the most remarkable pages in the 
history of man. — Ibid. 

Where all, with envy, while they wronged the man, 
Approve his counsel, and adopt his plan ; * 

Page 46. 

Columbus exclaimed, to use his own bitter expression : 
" I have but opened the gates for others to follow ! " — 
Ibid, 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. I45 



And now who views that Andalusian Queen, 
Of Love and Beauty, hath a marvel seen/ 

Page 47. 

The Spaniards consider Seville so beautiful, that they 
have a Proverb, which says : 

Qiden no ha visto Sevilla^ 
No ha visto maravilla. 
Who hath not seen Seville, hath not seen a marvel. 

Within the Patio's love-inviting shade. 

Just where the fountain's diamond sparkles played,' 

Page 48. 

All mansions of any importance in Andalusia are built 
in the form of a hollow square. The space in the centre 
is generally laid out in beautiful flower-beds and arbours, 
in the midst of which plays a fountain. This spot is 
called the Patio — pronounced Pat-yo. 

If blessed by Fortune, then I come to claim, 
And link Catlina's with her Cortez' name ! ' 

Page 49. 

Hernando Cortez was born at Medellia, a town in 
the south-east corner of Estramadura, in 1485. He came 
of an ancient and respectable family ; and historians 
have gratified the national vanity by tracing it up to the 
Lombard kings ; whose descendants crossed the Pyrenees, 
and established themselves in Arragon, under the Gothic 
Monarchy. . . . The young Cavalier hesitated whether 
to seek his fortunes under the Great Captain, or in the 



146 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



New World ; where gold, as well as glory, was to be won 
and where the very dangers had a very mystery and 
romance in them, inexpressibly fascinating to the fancy. 
It was in this direction that the hot spirits of that day 
found a vent, especially in that part of the country where 
Cortez lived — the neighborhood of Seville and Cadiz — 
the focus of nautical enterprise. He decided on the 
latter course, and the opportunity was offered in the 
splendid armament of Ovando. . . . The family of 
Xuarez, of Granada, consisted of a brother, and four 
sisters, remarkable for their beauty ; with one of them, 
named Catalina, the susceptible heart of the young soldier 
became enamoured. — " Conquest of Mexico." 

The Belted warriors in procession, march. 
In serried columns, 'neath the portal's arch.^ 

Page 49. 

Mass was then celebrated with the solemnities usual 
with the Spanish navigators, when entering on their voy- 
ages of discovery. — Ibid. 

Before the Altar, eminent and gray. 

The great Ximenes humbly bows to pray ; " 

Page 50. 

Cardinal Ximenes, a man whose intrepidity, extraordi- 
nary talents, and capacity for great enterprises were ac- 
companied by a haughty spirit. . . . With all his 
faults, however, he was a Spaniard, and the object at 
heart was the good of his country. — Ibid, 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 147 



Enchanting Cadiz, like a Swan at rest, 
Seems gently floating on the billows' crest/° 

Page 51. 

Cadiz lies, as it were, immediately on the bosom of the 
water ; and, as her walls and buildings are mostly snowy 
white, the view, at sunrise or sunset, is very beautiful — 
appearing, as she does, to be floating upon the waves. 

Alminos, Pilot, with experienced eye. 
Observes the tokens of the changing sky : " 

Page 52. 

The whole was put under the command of Antonio de 
Alaminos, as chief Pilot — a veteran navigator who had 
acted as Pilot to Columbus, in his last voyage ; and also 
to Cordova, and Grijalva, in the former expedition to 
Yucatan. — " Conquest of Mexico." 

Alminos, doubtful of the treacherous night, 
Displayed his Lantern with its flashing light : " 

Page 52. 

Orders were given for the vessels to keep as near to- 
gether as possible, and to take the direction of the 
Capitania^ or Admiral's ship, which carried a beacon-light 
in its stern during the night. But the weather, which had 
been favorable, changed soon after their departure ; and 
one of those tempests set in, which fell with terrible force 
on the navy — scattering it far and wide. . . . Un- 
luckily, he met with a succession of heavy gales, which 
drove him from his course, and he wholly lost his reckon- 



148 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



ing. ... At length they were cheered one morning 
with the sight of a Dove ; which, wearied by its flight, 
lighted on the top-mast. It was regarded as a Mir- 
acle — some thought it was the Holy Ghost, in the form of 
a Dove. ... In a short time, by taking the direction 
of the bird's flight, they reached Cozumel. — Ibid. 

" Now, by San Pedro ! " boldly Cortez cries, 
" Who dares to follow where that Pilot flies ? — " 

Page 53. 

Cortez was well satisfied to find his own enthusiasm so 
largely shared by his followers. . . . The fleet was 
placed under the immediate protection of San Pedro — 
Saint Peter — the Patron Saint of Cortez. . . . His 
Standard was of black velvet, embroidered with gold, and 
emblazoned with a Red Cross, amidst flames of blue and 
silver, with this Motto, in Latin, beneath : " Friends, let 
us follow the Cross ; and, under this Sign, if we have 
Faith, we shall conquer." . . . He had now obtained 
his wish. — Ibid. 

And, o'er the decks, the zealous hundreds pass, 
Where good Olmedo celebrates the Mass.^* 

Page 55. 

Two ecclesiastics attended the expedition, Juan Diaz 
and Father Bartolemi de Olmedo. The latter of these 
godly men afforded the rare example of the union of zeal 
with charity ; while he beautifully illustrated, in his own 
conduct, the precepts which he taught. He remained 
with the army through the whole expedition : and, by his 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. I49 



wise and benevolent counsels, was often enabled to miti- 
gate the cruelties of the conquerors, and to turn aside the 
sword from the unfortunate natives. — Ibid. 

A conclave gathers, whose Devices claim 
The bearers heroes of distinguished fame/^ 

Page 55. 

As the knight of the Middle Ages was completely cov- 
ered with Coat-of-Mail and Helmet, he could only be 
known by his Coat- Armour, Crest, and Device. 

Such was the man, long trained in danger's school, 
Who now arose, Spain's haughty sons to rule : — ^® 

Page 56. 

Cortez, at this time, was thirty-three or four years old. 
In stature he was rather above the middle size ; his com- 
plexion was pale, large dark eyes, figure slender, but 
his chest was deep, shoulders broad, frame muscular ; 
excelled in fencing and horsemanship. In his diet he 
was temperate, to toil and privation he seemed totally 
indifferent. His dress was such as to set off his hand- 
some person to advantage, neither gaudy nor striking, but 
rich. His manners were frank and soldier-like, and con- 
cealed a most cool and calculating spirit. With 
his gayest humour there was mingled a settled air 
of resolution, which made those who approached him 
feel they must obey, and which infused something like 
awe into the attachment of his most devoted followers. 
— '* Conquest of Mexico." 



150 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



The swords of Toledo were, for elasticity and temper, 
as celebrated in Spain, as the blades of Damascus were 
in the East. 

For if, through Faith, we press the work begun, 
Fame, wealth, and glory will, alike, be won.^^ 

Page 58. 

Cortez addressed his soldiers in an animated harangue. 
He told them they were about to enter upon a noble 
enterprise — one that would make their names famous 
in after-ages. He was leading them to countries more 
opulent than any yet visited by Europeans — a glorious 
prize, to be won only by incessant toil ; — glory was not 
the reward of sloth. "I have labored hard, and have 
staked my all in this undertaking for the love of renown 
— the noblest recompense of man. If you court riches, I 
will make you masters of such as our countrymen never 
dreamed of. You are few in numbers, but strong in 
resolution — doubt not the Almighty will shield you, for 
your cause is just ; and you are fighting under the 
Banner of the Cross. Go forward, then, with alacrity, 
and carry to a glorious issue the work so auspiciously 
begun." — " Conquest of Mexico." 

While deafening shouts, from solemn lips, proclaim 
The Oath that seals Hernando Cortez' fame.^® 

Page 58. 

The rough eloquence of the General, touching the 
various chords of ambition, avarice, and religious zeal, 
sent a thrill through the bosoms of his martial audience; 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 151 



and, receiving it with acclamations, they seemed eager 
to press forward under a Chief, who was to lead them, 
not so much to battle, as to triumph ... all of whom. 
Officers and Privates, would have cheerfully laid down 
their lives for him. — Ihid. 

Not unknown, Senor, are these shores to me : 
For, when Nicuessa braved this treacherous sea," 

Page 59. 

Nicuessa's expedition furnished a tale of woe not 
often matched in the annals of Spanish discovery. . . . 
Reports had been brought that six Christians were said 
to be lingering, in captivity, in the interior of the country; 
it was supposed they might belong to the party of the 
unfortunate Nicuessa, and orders were given to find them 
out, if possible, and restore them to liberty. (See Note 2>^^ 
Canto First.) — Ibid. 

Their tongue unknown, frustrates Cordova's plan : 
We ask for friends — they answer : — ' Tectetan.' " 

Page 59. 

At the end of three weeks, Cordova found himself on a 
strange and unknown coast. On landing, and asking 
the name of the country, he was answered by the natives : 
" Tectetan " — meaning " I do not understand you," — but 
which the Spaniards, misinterpreting into the name of the 
place, easily corrupted to Yucatan. — Ibid. 

But, ere we leave, Catoche's cape we round. 
And landing there, what wondrous sights astound ! ^^ 

Page 59. 



152 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



Cordova had landed on the north-eastern end of the 
peninsula, at Cape Catoch6. He was astonished at the 
size and solid materials of the buildings, constructed of 
stone and lime. . . . He was struck, also, with the 
high cultivation of the soil, and with the delicate texture 
of the garments and gold ornaments of the natives. 
Every thing indicated a civilization far superior to any- 
thing he had before witnessed in the New World. He 
saw the evidence of a different race, moreover, in the 
warlike spirit of the people. Rumors of the Spaniards 
had perhaps preceded them. They were asked if they 
came from the East ; and, wherever they landed, they 
were met with the most deadly hostility. Cordova, him- 
self, received more than a dozen wounds in one of his 
skirmishes, and only one of his party escaped unhurt. . 
. . When he had coasted the peninsula, as far as Cam- 
peachy, he returned to Cuba. — Ibid. 

With lavish hands Velasquez freely spends : 
Four ships are armed, and valiant knights he sends.'*'* 

Page 60. 



The reports Cordova had brought back of the country, 
and still more, the specimens of curiously wrought gold, 
convinced Velasquez of the importance of the discovery ; 
and he prepared, with all despatch, to avail himself of it. 
He, accordingly, fitted out a little squadron of four vessels, 
and placed them under the command of his Nephew, 
Juan de Grijalva. . . . The fleet left the port of San- 
tiago de Cuba, May i, 1518. It took the course pursued 
by Cordova, but was driven somewhat to the south ; the 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 153 



first land that it made being the island of Cozumel. 
From this quarter, Grijalva soon passed over to the con- 
tinent. . . . Everywhere he was struck with the evi- 
dences of a higher civilization, especially in the Archi- 
tecture. . . . This was the region of those extraor- 
dinary remains, which have become, recently, the subject 
of so much speculation. He was astonished, also, at the 
sight of large stone Crosses, evidently objects of worship ; 
reminded by these circumstances of his own country, he 
gave the peninsula the name of New Spain. Wherever 
he landed, he experienced the same unfriendly reception 
as Cordova, though he suffered less — being better pre- 
pared to meet it. . . . As he wound round the shore, 
one of his Captains, Pedro de Alvarado, entered a river, 
called the river of Banners, by the ensigns displayed on 
its borders. ... A friendly conference took place 
between the parties, on shore, where Grijalva landed 
with all his force, so as to make a suitable impression on 
the Chief. The interview lasted some hours ; they inter- 
changed presents, and the Spaniards had the satisfaction 
of receiving, for a few worthless toys and trinkets, a rich 
treasure of jewels, gold ornaments, and vessels of the 
most fantastic workmanship, valued at fifteen or twenty 
thousand Pesos de Oro. . . . Melchoreyo, a native, was 
brought away, and who, during his stay in Cuba, picked 
up an acquaintance with the Castilian language. — /did. 

Meanwhile, the Heathen claim our instant thought — 
Good works are best, through action, promptly wrought; " 

Page 62. 



154 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



The first object of Cortez was to reclaim the people 
from their gross idolatry, and to substitute a purer form 
of worship. In accomplishing this, he was prepared to 
use force, if milder measures should be ineffectual. 
There was nothing the Spanish government had more at 
heart than the conversion of the Indians. . . . The 
Cavalier who embarked in them entered fully into these 
chivalrous and devotional feelings. No doubt was enter- 
tained of the efficacy of conversion, however sudden 
might be the change, or violent the measures. The 
sword was a good argument when the tongue failed ; 
and the spread of Mohammedanism had shown this. . . . 
The Spanish Cavalier felt he had a high mission to 
accomplish as a soldier of the Cross — it was a Holy War. 
He was in arms against the Infidel. Not to care for his 
soul, was to put his own in jeopardy. It was not for 
morals he was concerned, it was for faith. . . . No 
one partook more fully of these feelings than Cortez — he 
was the mirror of his times. — Ibid. 

Good Alaminos, ere the even-tide. 

Two Brigantines with every want provide." 

Page ^2)- 

The first object of Cortez was to gather tidings of the 
unfortunate Christians, who were reported to be still 
lingering in captivity on the neighboring continent. . . . 
He obtained such a confirmation of the report, that he 
sent Diego de Ordaz, with two Brigantines, to the op- 
posite coast of Yucatan, with instructions to remain 
there eight days. Some Indians went as Couriers in the 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 155 



vessels, who consented to bear a letter to the captives, 
informing them of the arrival of their, countrymen in 
Cozumel, with a liberal ransom for their release. — Ibid. 

Then thus resumes : — " Since Espanola's shore, 
Though first we sought, Fate bids us seek no more," " 

Page 63. 



To hasten the main action of the poem, Cortez' long 
stay in the Islands has been omitted. 

Through thine experience be the laws obeyed. 
Brave Alvarado, as thy Chieftain 's Aide : " 

Page 64. 

The fame of Cortez attracted a number of Cavaliers of 
family and distinction ; some of whom having accom- 
panied Grijalva, brought much valuable information for 
the present expedition. Among these Hidalgos, may be 
mentioned : Pedro de Alvarado, and his brother Cristo- 
val de Olid, Alonzo de Avila, Juan Velasquez de Leon, 
Alonzo Hernando de Puertecarrero, Gonsalvo de Sando- 
val, Diego de Ordaz, Francisco de Lujo, Francisco de 
Montijo, and Moza, captain of Artillery, who had ac- 
quired experience as an engineer in the Italian wars. All 
of these were men who took a most important part in the 
conquest. Their presence was of great moment, as giv- 
ing consideration to the enterprise. Among his soldiers 
there were also a hundred of Grijalva's men, who had 
just returned from their voyage, and willing to follow up 
the discoveries under such an enterprising leader. — 
" Conquest of Mexico," 



156 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



Now Alvarado, in the sturdy fort, 

Salutes his Chieftain, with his strict Report.'*' 

Page 67. 

When all were brought together, the vessels were found 
to be Eleven in number ; his forces amounted to a Hun- 
dred and Ten Marines, Five hundred and Fifty-Three 
soldiers, Thirty-Two Crossbow-men, and Thirteen Ar- 
quebusiers, Ten heavy Guns, and Four lighter pieces, 
called Falconets, and a good supply of ammunition, be- 
sides Sixteen horses. . . . With so paltry a force did 
he enter upon the Conquest, which even his stout 
heart must have shrunk from attempting with such means, 
had he but foreseen half its real difficulties. — Ibid. 

While Ordaz lingers on the distant shore. 

We '11 march the Army, and the land explore ; " 

Page 68. 

Meanwhile, the General proposed to make an excursion 
to the different parts of the Island, that he might give 
employment to the restless spirits of the soldiers, and as- 
certain the resources of the country. — Ibid. 

Until the Idols, in their burning souls, 
Awaken anger, prudence scarce controuls," 

Page 69. 

He was scandalized at the idolatrous practices of the 
people of Cozumel. . . . He endeavoured to persuade 
them to embrace a better faith, through the agencies of 
his two eclesiastics, Diaz and Olmedo. . . . They vainly 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 157 



labored to convince the people of Cozumel to renounce 
their abominations, and to allow the Indian Idols, in 
which the Christians recognized the true lineaments of 
Satan, to be thrown down and demolished. The simple 
natives, filled with horror at the proposed profanation, 
exclaimed : — " That these were the gods who sent them 
the sunshine and the storm, and should any violence be 
offered them, they would be sure to avenge it, by sending 
their lightnings on the heads of the perpetrators." — Ibid. 

Let generous Presents, then, your homage prove, 
To gain your welfare and his kindly love.'" 

Page 69. 

He was to impress upon them the grandeur and the 
goodness of his royal master, to invite them to give him 
their allegiance to him ; and to manifest it by regaling 
him with such comfortable presents of gold, pearls, and 
precious stones, as by showing their own good-will would 
secure his favor and protection. — Ibid. 

The Heralds answer back, with Trumpets' sound : 
When, prompt responding, with a fearless bound,^* 

Page 70. 

Cortez was probably not much of a polemic — at all 
events, he preferred, on the present occasion, action to 
argument ; and thought that the best way to convince the 
Indians of their error, was to prove the falsehood of their 
prediction. He, accordingly, without further ceremony, 
caused the venerated Images to be rolled down the stairs 
of the Great Temple, amidst the groans and lamentations 



158 NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 



of the natives. An Altar was hastily constructed, an 
image of the Virgin and Child placed over it, and Mass 
was performed by Father Olmedo, and his reverent com- 
panion, for the first time within the walls of a Temple of 
New Spain. — Ibid, 

The thousands gaze, with awe, and wondering eye, 
To see their gods in abject ruins lie : °* 

Page 71. 

The patient ministers tried, once more, to pour the light 
of the Gospel into the benighted understandings of the 
Islanders ; and to expound the mysteries of the Catholic 
faith. . . . They, at length, found favor with their 
auditors ; who, whether over-awed by the bold bear- 
ing of the invaders, or convinced of the impotence of 
deities that could not shield their own shrines from vio- 
lation, now consented to embrace Christianity. — Ibid. 

There, near the shore, beneath the quiet sky, 
Lo, Ordaz* Brigantines at anchor lie ; " 

Page 71. 

While Cortez was thus occupied with the triumph of 
the Cross, he received intelligence that Ordaz had returned 
from Yucatan. . . . A canoe was seen making its way 
from the neighboring shores ; on reaching the island, one 
of the men inquired, in broken Castilian : " If he were 
among Christians ?" and, being answered in the affirma- 
tive, threw himself on his knees and returned thanks for 
his delivery. He was one of the unfortunate captives for 



NOTES TO MONTEZUMA. 159 



whose fate so much interest had been felt. His name was 
Herbnimo de Aguilar. On appearing before Cortez, the 
poor man saluted him in the Indian style, by touching 
the earth with his hand, and carrying it to his head. The 
Commander raised him affectionately, and embraced him 
— at the same time, covering him with his own cloak. . . 
Aguilar's long residence in the country had familiarized 
him with the Magan dialects of Yucatan ; and, as he grad- 
ually revived his Castilian, he became of essential impor- 
tance as an Interpreter. Cortez saw the advantages of 
this from the first, but he could not, fully, estimate all 
the consequences that were to flow from it. — Ibid. 

And, while the winds the snowy canvass swell, 
Their Banners wave adieus, to Isla Cozumel." 

Page 72. 

The fleet had been well stored with provisions by the 
friendly inhabitants ; and, embarking his troops, Cortez 
took leave of its hospitable shores. — Ibid. 

END OF NOTES TO CANTO SECOND. 



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